The private jet unit of Qatar Airways has recorded a 26% surge in revenue as the appeal for exclusive air travel increased among affluent families.
Thierry Antinori, the Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, attributed the growth to the company’s rising demand and said the carrier is now positioned for more expansion in the premium aviation market.
“Demand is strong,” Antinori noted during an interview in Dubai. “We are taking a higher share of the pie and therefore we can sell even more flights than what we have in supply.”
The airline’s fleet, consisting of 20 Gulfstream corporate jets, serves destinations across the globe.
Research has shown that a private flight on one of these aircraft can cost three to four times as much as a premium seat on Qatar Airways’ commercial services.
Popular routes include leisure destinations such as the Maldives and Seychelles as well as major business hubs like London and New York.
Global pandemic was what fueled the rush for private jet travel as wealthy individuals sought safe and exclusive alternatives to commercial flights.
However, it was the growing demand for group travel that has sustained and kept the airline profitable post-pandemic.
“Group travel has become a dominant trend since the pandemic,” Antinori stated.
Families and corporate teams now make up the bulk of the bookings rather than individual travels as experienced during the pandemic, according to the airlines.
Qatar Airways is now considering acquiring an air operator certificate (AOC) in Europe.
