Qatar Airways Cargo announced a significant new order for five Boeing 777 freighters in a packed press conference at the Paris Air Show, in the presence of the country’s Minister of Transport and Communications, HE Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker also revealed three new freighter routes: Hanoi to Dallas, Chicago to Singapore, and Singapore – Los Angeles – Mexico City.
The five new Boeing 777 freighters will give a huge boost to the airline’s capacity, enabling it to add new freighter routes while also increasing capacity on key trade lanes. The three new transpacific freighter routes are in addition to the existing and immensely successful Macau – Los Angeles service launched six months ago.
Al Baker said they are pleased that Qatar Airways has signed this landmark order for five new Boeing 777 freighters to add to their cargo fleet.
It will increase our Boeing 777 freighter fleet by a full 20%, enabling us to further develop our business and offer new customers the chance to experience a truly first-class logistics service. This is an order that will propel our growth and I firmly believe, confirm our lead as the top cargo operator in the world.’
The Boeing 777 freighter has the longest range of any twin-engined freighter and is based around the Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft operating on the airline’s ultra-long-haul routes. With a payload capacity of 102 metric tonnes, the Boeing 777F is capable of flying 9,070 kilometres. The aircraft’s range capability translates into significant savings for cargo operators, fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower handling costs and shorter delivery times. The aircraft’s economics make it an attractive addition to the airline’s fleet, operating on long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe, the Far East, Asia and some destinations in Africa.
The carrier’s cargo volumes increased by 10% in 2018 over 2017 and its products have also performed exceptionally well with positive tonnage growth and several enhancements introduced. The carrier added belly-hold cargo capacity to several key destinations in its network and also received two brand new Boeing 777 freighters in 2018. It introduced freighters to two new destinations in May 2019: Guadalajara in Mexico and Almaty in Kazakhstan.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the freight division of Qatar Airways has witnessed significant growth over the past years, faster than any of its competitors. From three Airbus 300-600 freighters in 2003, it is now one of the top cargo carriers globally with a fleet of 23 freighters and over 250 belly-hold cargo aircraft. Cargo is a very important, profitable division of the Qatar Airways Group and makes an essential and paramount contribution to the group.
For updates and more information about Qatar Airways Cargo, visit qrcargo.com.
