Qatar Executive (QQE, Doha International) is considering acquiring a European air operator’s certificate, CCO of parent carrier Qatar Airways Thierry Antinori told Bloomberg last week. Demand and revenue for executive jet services is up, he said, and a European AOC would allow the carrier to provide a “smoother service” on the continent.

The fleet of Qatar Airways’ private jet arm includes five Gulfstream G700s, fourteen G650ERs, one G650(ER), two Bombardier Global 5000s, and two ACJ319-100s. Antinori said revenues were up 26% in the last 12 months, with cashed-up families and business groups the key driving forces behind this.

“We can sell even more flights than what we have in supply,” he said, adding that a European AOC would help facilitate growth. Major business hubs like London are among the top destinations. Current licencing restrictions prevent Qatar Executive from conducting commercial flights within the European Union.

ch-aviation has contacted Qatar Executive for comment.