Explore Qatar Airways' Incredible Gulfstream G650 Private Jet

Qatar Airways is already known for providing an ultra-luxurious product, from an excellent first class on the A380 to business class on the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. But for some passengers (those accustomed to flying around like this), a commercial flight just won't cut it. It's for these customers that the airline operates its Qatar Executive fleet, with planes ranging from small private jets to the (comparatively) gigantic Airbus A319.

One such Executive fleet member is the G650, which looks a lot like Gulfstream's off-the-shelf model, albeit with some much more posh appointments inside the cabin. I had a chance to visit the plane at the Farnborough Air Show, taking place this week just south of London.

Flight Deck, Galley and Crew Rest

After stepping through the front door, you'll first come to the cockpit.

The cockpit on Qatar's G650 looks to be identical to that on the base model, down to the placement of the cup holders.

Qatar uses the G650ER — ER stands for Extended Range, and the plane can travel more than 8,500 miles without refueling, making it the longest-range business jet in the world.

The cockpit is just about as advanced as they come — no surprise for a plane that'll probably cost you some $70 million before modifications.

There's also a crew rest here, with a flat-bed seat, just like the stock version.

Behind the crew rest, you'll find the galley.

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It may be small, but crews can prep full multi-course meals here based on the customer's catering requests.

Passenger Cabin

There's a bulkhead wall with a slide-out mechanical door separating the galley from the main cabin, so passengers won't be disturbed by the crews at work.

The main cabin consists of four seats in a 1-1 configuration, and then another four seats positioned around a large table.

There's also a large pop-out display, which passengers can use to watch the aircraft position, work through a presentation or play movies and TV shows.

The table folds out to extend, allowing plenty of space for four people to dine comfortably.

Qatar offers dining setups similar to what you'll find in first class, albeit with more substantial knives (as charter flights don't have the same security restrictions as commercial flights).

Flowers and other plants help avoid a sterile feel throughout the cabin.

Each seat also has universal power and USB charging ports.

Private Rear Cabin

Just as with the base model I saw earlier in the week, Qatar's Gulfstream has a private cabin in the rear, that can be completely closed off from the main passenger compartment.

There's a nicely appointed sofa, and a large wall-mounted display.

Then, on the other side of the cabin, Qatar has the seat configured as a twin-size bed.

Qatar offers similar amenities to what it has on commercial flights, including pajamas and slippers.

At the push of a button, each cabin can be sealed off from the others.

With the door closed, this rear compartment is quite possibly the most private and luxurious airline travel option available — in some ways even more appealing than Etihad's A380 Residence, since you don't need to deal with security, passenger terminals, airline delays, etc.

There's a private bathroom in this cabin as well, though no in-flight shower (unfortunately).

And a large hidden commode.

Then, just like the base model, Qatar's G650 has a cargo compartment in the rear — which was filled with gifts for important trade show attendees (no, I didn't get one).

Bottom Line

While there are now plenty of ultra-lux in-flight options to choose from, such as Etihad's A380 Residence (or Apartment), Singapore Suites or even Cathay Pacific first class, those high-end options simply won't cut it for some deep-pocketed passengers.

Qatar Executive's G650ER also offers a unique opportunity to fly nonstop from to and from nearly any sizable airport in the world, be that from Teterboro to London or Bozeman to Burma, in much less time (and with considerably less hassle) than a commercial flight.

See below for more from Farnborough 2016:

• Bumping into British PM David Cameron at the Farnborough Air Show
• Tour Boeing’s Brand New 737 MAX, Launching with Southwest in 2017
• Inside the E2, Embraer’s Next-Gen Regional Jet
• Touring the Bombardier CSeries Jet, Now Flying with Swiss
• Watch an F-35 Fighter Jet Hover at the 2016 Farnborough Air Show
• Check Out Qatar’s All-Business-Class Airbus A319 Jet
  
  
• Inside the Gulfstream G650, One of the World’s Fastest Business Jets
• Explore Qatar Airways’ Incredible Gulfstream G650 Private Jet
• Take a Look Inside Honda’s $4.5 Million Private Jet
• Comparing Economy Seat Pitch, from 29 to 34 Inches

Have you flown Qatar's Executive fleet? How much did your flight cost?