Qatar plans push into new air cargo markets

Qatar Airways cargo chief Ulrich Ogiermann said that the airline plans to become a major player in three new markets – the transpacific, Australia and South America – in the next nine months.
The chief officer cargo at the world’s third largest international carrier told a press conference on the opening day of Air Cargo China 2016 in Shanghai that major expansion would be made possible by three new additions to its freighter fleet, which now includes nine Boeing 777F, eight Airbus 3330F and two B747F aircraft, as well as the opening of its new European hub in Luxembourg.
Ogiermann also predicted that Qatar’s pure cargo fleet will grow to 22 aircraft by 2017 and from July 1, it will double its flights into and out of Luxembourg. It will also add Halifax (Canada) and New York (JFK) to its freighter network from July.
He told the conference: “Last year, we succeeded in becoming the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, but there are still areas we have not yet targeted to their full potential.
"In 2017, we will target areas such as transpacific, Australia and South America – do not be surprised if you see us becoming a strong player in all these markets in the next nine months.”
Ogiermann also took the opportunity to officially launch the carrier’s QR Live service for animals.
QR Live provides stress-free and comfortable transportation of horses, pets, exotic animals and livestock including transit through the 4,200 sq m air-conditioned live animal facility at Hamad International Airport.
It also has eight stalls for horses a round-the-clock animal health care service, 300 sq m paddock, a soft walk area and hydraulic loading and unloading docks.