ASIAN cuisine on board and Mandarin- or Cantonese-speaking cabin attendants are just a couple of ways that Qatar Airways has adjusted service on its business jets to target the Asian market.
The Middle Eastern airline’s business jet division, Qatar Executive, is growing its international footprint in Asia and aims to develop more business from the corporate sector and the region’s fast-growing number of high net worth individuals.
Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said in a media statement: “As Asian corporations continue to expand their businesses, they are looking for the most convenient and efficient means of travel to spur their international corporate growth.
“The Qatar Executive fleet of ultra- and long-range business jets hence provide them with a key transportation means and also greater flexibility in meeting their regional and global business travel needs, no matter how complex they are.”
Qatar Executive began operating in the region more than one year ago and since then developed specific in-flight options for the Asian market. Passengers can request the service of Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking VIP cabin crew, who are well-versed in local customs and etiquette, and can also ask for their local cuisine for their onboard meals.
“The Asian travelling elite expects nothing less than the best aircraft in terms of range, performance and technology, combined with luxurious cabin design and refined personalised service,” said David Edwards, executive vice president of Qatar Executive, in the same press release, adding that response towards the product has been “extremely positive”.
In Asia, Qatar Executive deploys its wholly owned Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft for charter flights, allowing immediate bookings. The two-cabin, seven-pax jet can fly longhaul flights such as from Hong Kong to Djibouti or Jakarta to Dubai, without stops.
The business jet division recently announced it will purchase up to 20 Gulfstream aircraft, and received a 40-seat Airbus A319 All-Premium Class plane in February this year.
