Qatar Cargo confirms cattle charters

Qatar Airways Cargo has confirmed it will transport more than 4,000 cattle as part of a project to set up a dairy farm in Qatar and bypass the blockade set up by some of the state’s neighbours.
In a statement sent out today, the airline confirmed it had won the deal to transport the Holstein cows and added that it had already completed the first two shipments, totalling 330 cows, utilising its Boeing B777F aircraft.
Air Cargo News reported that the initial flight had taken place from Budapest earlier this week.
In total, Qatar Cargo has been appointed to charter more than 20 cattle shipments from Europe, the US and Australia in the next few weeks.
Upon arrival at Hamad International Airport, the cattle are transferred to Baladna Farm, a huge livestock farm in Qatar owned by Power International
The farm is built over 700,000 sq m and includes 40,000 Awassi sheep able to withstand high temperature and produce high-quality milk. The farm also houses 5,000 goats and an animal feed mill yielding 100 tonnes per day.
Power International chairman Moutaz Al Khayyat said: “We are proud to expand the dairy industry in the State of Qatar, and are thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo for the expedient, safe and secure transportation of the cattle that have now safely arrived at their new home, Baladna Farm.
“With the arrival of the dairy cows, we aim to meet 30-35% of the imported milk demand in the country within two months.”
Qatar’s aircraft are currently banned from entering the airspace of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt after it was accused of destabilising the Middle East region through its support of extremist groups – something it denies.
As well as the closure of airspace, Saudi Arabia has closed its land boarder, which is how 40% of food imports arrive in the country.
The plans for the dairy farm were already in place ahead of the blockage, but were brought forward in light of the diplomatic row.
The airline also confirmed it had undertaken an airlift of food and grocery items
The undertaking lasted several weeks and used its own fleet, as well as other leased aircraft.
Read more freighter operator news

Share this story

Related Topics

Latest animal transportation news

ACS assists in largest rhino relocation conservation project

Air Charter Service (ACS) has assisted in what is understood to be the world’s largest rhinoceros relocation conservation project. Last…

Read More

Share this story

Etihad Cargo enhances pet transport options

Etihad Cargo has extended the amount of time it can transport pets for and is also now offering services for…

Read More

Share this story

AA Cargo roars into action on tiger mission

American Airlines Cargo has helped transport a Bengal tiger to a sanctuary in the US following changes to her home…

Read More

Share this story

Air Cargo News

Air Cargo News
Established in 1983, Air Cargo News is the leading source of news, information, interviews, analyses and reports to the global airfreight industry. Our leading portfolio includes print, digital and events that give businesses in the airfreight industry the ability to connect with decision-makers in this sector.