Qatar Airways takes delivery of two new freighters
06 / 01 / 2016
Qatar Airways Cargo has taken delivery of two new freighter aircraft as it continues to expand its all-cargo fleet.
The Doha-based airline has taken delivery of its seventh Airbus 330-200F and its first nose loading Boeing 747-8F.
The aircraft will be used to increase frequencies to Bahrain, Brussels, Chennai, Hyderabad, London Stansted and Mumbai.
Qatar Airways chief officer cargo Ulrich Ogiermann said: “The arrival of this new aircraft brings our total fleet up to 16 freighters and is an important addition to the airline at a time when we are experiencing unprecedented growth.
“Increasing our capacity in tandem with increasing our network reach is an essential part of our strategy for the coming years and we expect to have a total of 21 freighters in our fleet by 2017.”
The unfulfilled aircraft deliveries are four B777Fs, ordered in June last year, and another A330-200F.
The mid-sized A330-200F can carry a maximum gross pay load of up to 68 tonnes, with a range capability of up to 4,000 nautical miles, meaning it can be used both regionally and intercontinentally.
The main deck cargo compartments and lower deck cargo compartments on A330-200F are ventilated and have temperature control options of 5°C to 25°C.
Meanwhile, Qatar said the B747 is “ideal for the requirements of express cargo and industrial freight operators”.
“The B747 freighter has seating for up to eight cargo attendants or grooms for horses,” it said.
“The B747F has a main deck nose door and a mechanised cargo handling system. The nose door swings up so that pallets or containers up to 40ft (12 m) can be loaded straight in on motor-driven rollers.”
Last year, the airline revealed ambitious plans to expand its cargo capacity at its Hamad International Airport hub.