DOHA: Qatar Airways will create a new double-decker cargo facility that will be opened by 2018 at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The new facility, combined with the current facility, will allow Qatar Airways Cargo to handle 4.4 million tonnes of cargo a year, an increase from current 1.4 million tonnes capacity.
Qatar Airways Cargo is now the third largest international cargo airline in the world, according to the latest IATA international FTK figures, Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, announced yesterday in a press conference at HIA. “Being in the top three international cargo carriers in the world reflects the hard work and commitment of the Qatar Airways Cargo team over the past five years,” he said.
“Our cargo capability is a major component in driving our group success and growth and it will remain a focus of our expansion in the coming years,” he added. The company has risen to the No.3 position from 16th place in just five years, and now boasts a freighter fleet of six Airbus 330s, eight Boeing 777s and one Boeing 747.
“The new cargo terminal, which is scheduled to open in 2018, underlines our commitment to continued growth and expansion in line with the airline’s group objectives for the future,” said Ulrich Ogiermann, Chief Officer Cargo, Qatar Airways.
“Having the ability to handle 4.4 million tonnes of cargo a year will put Qatar Airways Cargo into another league, and enhance the efficiency and service already offered at our existing state-of-the-art facility,” he added. Al Baker indicated that future plans include building further capacity for cargo at HIA, to up to seven million tonnes, after current expansion plans are complete.
The company plans to launch two new speciality products — QR Express and QR Equine.
QR Express provides clients with the opportunity to book through a simplified system with high boarding priority and rapid handling, guaranteeing the speedy delivery of their cargo. Other key features include short and flexible close outs, quick ramp transfer (for transit express), as well as priority loading at origin and unloading at final destination and speedy retrieval at final destination.
QR Equine offers a five-star service and world-class facility for transportation of horses managed by a team of experts.
With QA Cargo’s modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing freighters, controlled temperature zones, a network of over 150 destinations, comfortable and spacious horse stalls and grooms that accompany them, the airline guarantees care, comfort, safety and reliability for smooth transportation of every equine guest. At its state-of-art hub in Doha, QA Cargo’s Live Animal facility offers an equally sophisticated environment with air-conditioned holding stalls, a paddock and on site veterinary personnel.The Peninsula
