Qatar Executive has become the first business aviation operator in the Middle East, and one of first worldwide, to be awarded EASA's third-country operator (TCO) safety certificate.

By 2016, all non-EU commercial operators wishing to fly to the EU will be required to hold the authorisation, which certifies compliance with ICAO safety standards.

Operators are currently required to apply for operating permits from each European country, whereas the TCO approval is a single safety authorisation valid in all EASA member states and out- lying territories.

Chief executive of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker comments: “Being the first business aviation operator in the Middle East to be awarded the EASA TCO certificate demonstrates that we are at the forefront of international aviation standards and that we are setting a benchmark for operational excellence across our industry.”