Qatar Airways announces huge new cargo terminal as it targets further growth

Qatar Airways has revealed plans for a huge new cargo facility at Hamad International as it continues to climb up the IATA table for the world’s largest cargo airlines.
Speaking at a press event today in Doha, Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said that airline was now the third largest international cargo airline in the world, according to IATA’s freight tonne km figures.
Last year, excluding integrators, Qatar was ranked sixth in IATA’s top 50 cargo airlines list.
Al Baker also revealed plans to create a second, even larger cargo terminal at the airline’s hub.
The new double-deck facility, combined with the current facility, will allow Qatar Airways Cargo to handle 4.4m tonnes of cargo a year, an increase from today’s 1.4m tonne capacity.
Al Baker indicated that future plans include building further capacity for cargo at Hamad International Airport, to up to 7m tonnes, after current expansion plans are complete.
“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,” said Al Baker.
“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.”
Qatar Airways chief officer cargo Ulrich Ogiermann said: “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.
“Having the ability to handle 4.4m 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.”
Further announcements made today include plans to launch two new speciality products: QR Equine and QR Express.
QR Equine offers “a five-star service and world-class facility for the transportation of horses managed by a dedicated team of experts”.
QR Express provides booking through a "simplified system with high boarding priority and rapid handling, guaranteeing the speedy delivery of their cargo".
The airline said its rapid expansion over the last five years would continue into the future.
“This expansion shows no signs of slowing down with delivery of five new freighters scheduled for the next year and significant network enhancement to destinations such as Durban, Boston, Adelaide and Sydney in the coming months,” it said in a press release.