Qatar Airways Cargo has announced plans to expand its freighter and bellyhold network across the globe, including in China, and is also set to develop a new European hub at Luxembourg Airport.
During a press conference at Air Cargo China on 14 June, the carrier’s head of cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann said the company currently runs a freighter to Guangzhou three times a week, but will switch to a Boeing 777 Freighter from an Airbus A330 Freighter.
This he says is operated to make up for lost capacity as it is switching its bellyhold route to an Airbus A380 into Guangzhou. Qatar will then have 300 tonnes a week into the city, adding to the 1720 tonnes into Hong Kong, 400 tonnes into Shanghai and into other Chinese cities.
He adds: “We have capacity for 3,200 tonnes into China. We are optimistic about the Chinese economy.”
Ogiermann says it is also targeting developing routes into Australasia and the Transpacific, and a new market in South America.
All types of cargo will be on the radar, especially specialist freight such as pharma, perishables and animal transportation.
Ogiermann says Qatar is also targeting setting up and developing a new base at Luxembourg Airport and will double flights into and out of the European gateway.
The airline will also expand in North America and next month on 19 July will begin freighter operations to Halifax (Canada) and New York’s JFK airport.
He notes Qatar is on track to build a second cargo terminal in Doha by the fourth quarter of 2018, expanding its capacity to 4.4 million tonnes, by adding three million tonnes.
The carrier has 19 freighters, but will have 22 in nine months as it adds a 10th Boeing 777 Freighter in July, an 11th in October and 12th in 2017.
Source: aircargoweek.com
