Qatar Air Cargo held a media day on October 27 in Doha and His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive of Qatar Airways also known as “The Chief” showed up to deliver the news.
According to the latest IATA international FTK figures, Qatar Airways Cargo is now the third largest international cargo airline in the world.
“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,” The Chief 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.
“This is phenomenal growth for the rapidly expanding company, which has risen from 16th place to the number three position in just five years and now boasts a freighter fleet of six Airbus 330s, eight Boeing 777s, and one Boeing 747,” Akbar Al Baker declared.
New CTF Abuilding
Mr. Al Baker also revealed plans to create a second air cargo transfer facility (CTF) at the airline’s Doha hub.
Combined with the current facility, the new facility will create the ability to handle 4.4 million tons of cargo a year, up from today’s 1.4 million ton capacity.
Qatar Airways Chief Officer Cargo Ulrich Ogiermann added:
“The new cargo transfer facility, 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,” he said.
“Having the ability to handle 4.4 million tons 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,” Uli emphasized.
The Chief also said QR would continue to build further capacity for cargo at Hamad International Airport of up to 7 million tons after current expansion plans are completed.
Horse Latitudes
QR Cargo also revealed plans to launch two new specialty products: QR Equine and QR Express.
Mr. Al Baker indicated that future plans include five new freighters scheduled for the next year and new destinations in the coming months, including Durban, Boston, Adelaide, and Sydney.
Geoffrey
