Qatar launches freight load centre at Doha

Qatar Airways Cargo has launched a freight load control centre at its Middle East home hub in Doha.
The new system will be an integral part of effective pallet loading procedures for the Middle East Gulf airline’s current fleet of 20 freighter aircraft.
Qatar Airways’ chief officer cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann, said: “Automation and technology is seen as a highly strategic enabler for any business.”
He added: “In addition to the numerous benefits this brings to customers and the business, the reduction in fuel consumption will also further reduce carbon emissions as part of our commitment to environmental management.”
The freighter load control centre contributes to a better utilisation of cargo volume and weight capacity on its aircraft said the Qatar Airways, the world’s third largest cargo carrier which recently took delivery of its 10th Boeing 777 freighter.
It added that it is “able to provide specialised support on oversized and special product shipments, thus providing its customers with more cargo space, greater efficiency and quality”.
A spokesperson continued: “Automating the weight and balance system will simplify the conventional manual process by reducing the time required to set-up the load-sheet prior to flight departure.
“The system reduces time for load planning and weight check processes, allowing the cargo carrier to manage operational and flight turnarounds as well as maintaining its excellent existing levels of on-time performance.
“Supported by accurate data from the system, the cargo carrier is now able to optimise payload and minimise the lateral imbalance of each aircraft, resulting in a significant reduction of fuel consumption.”
The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus A330 freighters, 10 B777 freighters and two Boeing 747 freighters.