Way Above First: Living Large on Qatar's Gulfstream G500 Private Jet
Sometimes, even a posh first-class cabin just won't cut it. Perhaps you're an A-list celebrity, looking to travel far from public view, or a politician or member of a royal family with special security needs — but you don't want to spend for something truly big, like a VIP-configured Boeing 777.
Or maybe you need to fly a small team from one meeting to the next, and you don't have time to make a stop or risk the travel disruptions you're more likely to experience flying commercial. That's when it might make sense to fly private, and Qatar Executive is one of the airlines around the world that can help you with that. This sister company of Qatar Airways flies, among others, US-made Gulfstream jets.
For longer trips, Qatar offers the Gulfstream G650ER, which can fly 8,500 miles without a stop. The G500 offers a similar cabin footprint, but with a range of roughly 6,000 miles — that's still enough to fly from the US West Coast to parts of Asia and Europe, but longer trips will require a stop. Qatar Executive is betting that a lot of people will want to fly ita Gulfstreams: It has ordered 30 of them, between the G500s and slightly larger G600, plus more G650ERs.
The passenger area of the G500 should feel comparable in size to the G650ER — while the interior isn't as long, space is trimmed from other areas, since there isn't a need for a dedicated crew rest with the shorter range.
The cabin is appointed similarly to Qatar's longer-range Gulfsteam jet, though I actually like elements of the G500 a bit more — the quilted seat stitching, for example.
There are two separate passenger compartments, just like on the G650ER. The rear compartment has a separate fold-out sofa, and all of the seats can fold flat to create a bed.
At the far back of the cabin is a large lavatory, complete with a sink you're more likely to find in a home than on a plane.
The toilet is hidden as well — you'll need to flip up the large leather seat to reveal it.
Each compartment can be sealed off for extra privacy, both from one another and from the forward crew area.
There's a full galley up front, complete with another sink, an oven and espresso machine.
I love the cockpit, too — I can't recall ever seeing a cockpit more attractive than this, on any jet.
As is typically the case for private-jet operators, Qatar's mum on pricing — though in this case, that makes perfect sense, since the aircraft has yet to be delivered by Gulfstream. Pending certification of the G500, this latest addition is expected to make its way to Qatar Executive's fleet before the end of 2018.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.