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Tag: Qatar Airways

  • Qatar Airways Divests $897M Stake in Cathay Pacific, Streamlining Investment for Future Growth

    Qatar Airways Divests $897M Stake in Cathay Pacific, Streamlining Investment for Future Growth

    Qatar Airways, the Doha-based airline, is set to divest its entire stake in Cathay Pacific Airways, a move that will mark its departure from the Hong Kong airline after an eight-year association. The transaction is estimated to be worth approximately $897 million.

    Stake Sale and Repurchase

    Late on Wednesday, Cathay Pacific reported that Qatar Airways had expressed an interest in offloading its 9.7% stake in the company. In response, Cathay intends to buy back the shares at a rate of HK$10.8374 (or $1.39) per share. This represents a roughly 4% discount to the closing share price prior to the announcement.

    Qatar Airways had initially acquired the stake in November 2017 from Kingboard Chemical Holdings, a Hong Kong firm. This investment made it the third-largest shareholder in Cathay Pacific, trailing behind Swire Pacific and Air China.

    Strategic Investment and Exit

    The investment in Cathay Pacific marked Qatar Airways’ first significant venture into an Asian airline. The move was intended to expand its global footprint and to increase passenger volumes through its Doha hub.

    According to Qatar Airways’ CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the decision to exit Cathay Pacific aligns with the company’s disciplined investment strategy. This strategy has facilitated a period of strong performance, allowing the company to reassess its investments and plan for long-term growth.

    As part of its competitive strategy, the Middle Eastern airline has made a series of investments in airlines around the world. These investments include stakes in IAG, the parent company of British Airways, South American carrier LATAM, and Virgin Australia.

    Premium Buyback and Future Plans

    To acquire the stake, Cathay Pacific is set to pay a premium of approximately 35% over the original price paid by Qatar Airways. The Hong Kong airline plans to fund the transaction through its internal resources and existing credit lines.

    Patrick Healy, Chairman of Cathay Pacific, indicated that the stake buyback signals the company’s strong confidence in its future. The airline has proposed an ambitious investment plan amounting to HK$100 billion over the next seven years. This plan encompasses fleet renewal, cabin products, and lounge facilities.

    Upon completion of the deal, Swire Pacific, the controlling shareholder, will see its stake rise to 47.69%, up from 43.12%. Similarly, Air China’s shareholding will increase to 31.78%, up from 28.74%.

    Despite Qatar Airways’ planned exit, both airlines have committed to continuing their partnership via the Oneworld Alliance.

    Questions & Answers

    Why has Qatar Airways decided to sell its stake in Cathay Pacific?
    The decision aligns with the company’s disciplined investment strategy and follows a period of strong performance, allowing the company to reassess its investment portfolio.

    How will Cathay Pacific fund the buyback of the stake?
    Cathay Pacific will fund the transaction through its internal resources and existing credit lines.

    What impact will the stake sale have on Cathay Pacific’s shareholding structure?
    If the deal is approved, controlling shareholder Swire Pacific’s stake in Cathay will rise to 47.69%, while Air China’s shareholding will increase to 31.78%.

  • Qatar Airways Cargo named launch customer of Mammoth Freighters 777-200LRMF

    Qatar Airways Cargo named launch customer of Mammoth Freighters 777-200LRMF

    Qatar Airways Cargo has been named launch customer of the Mammoth Freighters 777-200LRMF and has finalised an agreement for five (5) aircraft with Jetran, LLC – a Horseshoe Bay, Texas-based leader in aircraft leasing, sales, and aviation services.

    Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo commented: “As the launch customer of the Mammoth 777-200LRMF converted freighter, Qatar Airways Cargo proudly continues to lead global trade as the world’s largest air freight carrier. This additional freighter capacity will be instrumental in advancing our fleet growth and expanding the premium cargo services we provide to customers worldwide. The growth of our fleet with the Mammoth 777s reflects our commitment to operating the largest freighter network and fleet in the industry.

    Mammoth Freighters LLC (“Mammoth”) has also announced the successful completion of the initial test flight of its 777-200LRMF prototype freighter.  The prototype aircraft, now registered as N705DN, took to the skies following an extensive and rigorous conversion process at Mammoth’s modification partner facility, Aspire MRO, in Fort Worth, Texas. This achievement demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the Mammoth 777-200LRMF, designed to set new standards for productivity and economy in the long-range widebody freighter market.

    “This milestone is the culmination of years of dedicated engineering, collaboration, and innovation. Our mission is to deliver one of the world’s most productive and economical long-range freighters, and today’s achievement is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our entire team and partners.” said Bill Tarpley, CEO of Mammoth. “We are also thrilled to announce Qatar Airways Cargo as the launch customer for our 777-200LRMF freighter. Their commitment reflects the long-term value and capabilities this aircraft offers.”

    “Witnessing the successful completion of the 777-200LRMF’s initial test flight was both exciting and reassuring,” said Jetran’s CEO, Jordan Jaffe. “The aircraft exceeded expectations and reinforced our confidence in Mammoth’s engineering and conversion capabilities. We’re proud to have Qatar Airways Cargo play such a prominent role as launch customer for this groundbreaking program and look forward to its certification and entry into service.”

    The Mammoth 777-200LRMF features the advanced Collins Aerospace cargo loading system, specifically optimized for the 777 passenger-to-freighter market. This system, developed over three years of close collaboration, ensures high levels of parts commonality and operational reliability—attributes already proven on 777 production freighters worldwide.

    Currently, Mammoth has seven (7) 777-200/-300 aircraft undergoing conversion: five (5) at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth, Texas, and two (2) at STS Aviation Services in Manchester, UK. The company holds firm orders for 35 freighter conversions across a diverse portfolio of customers.

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  • Qatar Airways passengers endure 3-hour delay without air conditioning

    Qatar Airways passengers endure 3-hour delay without air conditioning

    During a Qatar Airways flight from Athens to Bangkok via Doha, passengers suffered extreme discomfort when they were confined for more than three hours in oppressive heat due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system.

    The incident, which occurred on Monday while the plane was on the Athens International Airport’s tarmac, caused temperatures inside the cabin to soar to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).

    Referencing a Matichon reporter on board, stated that despite the malfunction, the captain decided against allowing passengers to disembark, leading to the distressing situation.

    South African sports therapist Garth Collins, a passenger on the flight, shared his experience, stating: “Passengers were literally dehydrating and passing out on the plane.”

    “They were left stranded on the plane for 3.5 hours with doors closed and no air conditioning.”

    As seen in videos circulating online, a passenger had to resort to stripping off their clothes while others fanned themselves with safety instruction cards during the delay.

    Garth noted that after enduring the heat, passengers were finally permitted to leave the aircraft and return to the cooler confines of Athens International Airport. However, the relief was fleeting as they encountered extensive delays without communication from the airline. He emphasized that many missed their connecting flights in Doha due to the incident.

    Criticizing the airline’s response, Garth remarked that the assistance provided, which included only a cup of water and a small soft drink, was “completely insufficient to rehydrate an individual after the enforced sauna on the plane.”

    The flight was carrying 49 members of the Thai boxing team and accompanying reporters returning from the IFMA Senior World Championships in Patras, Greece. Among them, footage highlighted Muay Thai fighter Damian Collins visibly overwhelmed by the heat.

    “Damian is a fit, conditioned athlete, imagine the stress and danger for any normal individual,” commented Garth.

    Thai boxer Thannachai Sidsongpeenong also expressed his astonishment at the conditions and reflected on his relief at surviving the ordeal: “Now I feel that I was lucky to get through that situation.”

    The flight ultimately arrived in Doha at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, significantly delayed from its expected arrival time of 6:20 p.m. the previous day.

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  • Qatar Airways marks 20 years of freighter operations

    Qatar Airways marks 20 years of freighter operations

    Qatar Airways Cargo is celebrating its 20th year of dedicated freighter operations. Over the past two decades, Qatar Airways Cargo has continuously expanded its fleet, network, and product portfolio in a bid to become the world’s #1 cargo carrier.

    In 2003, Qatar Airways Cargo delivered its first freighter, an Airbus A300-600, a converted passenger aircraft. It began regular operations to Amsterdam and Chennai, and shortly thereafter, to New Delhi.

    Today, the cargo airline operates to more than 160 belly-hold and over 70 freighter destinations with over 200 passenger aircraft and 31 dedicated cargo freighters.

    With the launch of its Next Generation strategy, Qatar Airways Cargo has defined its role in the air cargo industry through enhanced products and services, cutting-edge technology, a commitment to sustainability and diversity, investing in existing talent and attracting new ones.

    Qatar Airways Cargo has achieved significant accomplishments, including being the first airline globally to complete the suite of IATA CEIV certifications, the launch of the Kigali Africa hub in partnership with RwandAir, and the introduction of innovative products like Pharma, Fresh, Courier, and SecureLift.

    Being one of the early adopters of digital transformation, it has launched a new website and online booking portal Digital Lounge and partnered with marketplace platforms The airline has also committed to sustainability through its WeQare program, championing initiatives such as ‘Rewild the planet’ and launching a CO2 emission calculator.

    As the airline enters the next decade, Qatar said it remains dedicated to digitalization and sustainability and looks forward to continuing to be at the forefront of air cargo’s innovation and customer-centric solutions.

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  • Qatar Airways Cargo links with Xiamen Airlines

    Qatar Airways Cargo links with Xiamen Airlines

    Qatar Airways Cargo will offer additional capacity to/from China on the belly space of Boeing widebody jets with a new tie-up with fellow Skyteam member Xiamen Airlines.

    Under the agreement, Xiamen Airlines will launch daily flights on 20 October between Beijing’s Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). The Chinese carrier will also launch two weekly flights from Xiamen (XMN), one of China’s special economic zones, to Doha, starting 31 October.

    This is the first time that the Chinese carrier will operate non-stop passenger flights to Qatar.

    A B787-9 will operate the new direct services from PKX to DOH, whilst the XMN-DOH return service will be operated by a B787-8, with more than 100 tonnes of capacity on both flights. Qatar Airways Cargo now serves 9 destinations in China, offering over 2,800 tonnes of cargo capacity each week.

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  • Qatar Airways, DSV open new cargo route from HSV

    Qatar Airways, DSV open new cargo route from HSV

    Qatar Airways Cargo and DSV Global Transportation and Logistics have teamed up to launch a new route from Huntsville airport (HSV) in the US with two freighter services each week.

    The carrier will operate its Boeing 777 freighters twice a week from Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico to Huntsville en route to Doha via Luxembourg. The freighters from HSV will operate on Thursdays and Sundays every week, offering 200 tonnes of capacity.

    Mads Ravn, executive vice president at DSV, said the collaboration will not only extend the forwarder’s market presence but also allows access to the Middle East with a keen focus on the oil and gas sectors.

    The strategic initiative also establishes a direct scheduled service from Mexico City to Europe, the Middle East and beyond via Huntsville and Luxembourg. The carrier expects to transport major exports like auto parts from Huntsville for various manufacturers in Europe along with perishables and cars from Mexico.

    With the addition of Huntsville, Qatar Airways Cargo now serves 22 destinations in the Americas with freighter and passenger belly-hold flights, providing a combined weekly cargo capacity of over 5,500 tonnes

  • Qatar Airways taps PROS for optimal pricing

    Qatar Airways taps PROS for optimal pricing

    Qatar Airways Cargo is empowering its online channels with real-time personalised dynamic pricing for air freight bookings with PROS Smart Price Optimization and Management.

    The AI-powered optimisation solution models improve win rates by personalising the price offering and maximising sales. This means customers can now receive real-time, reliable, and personalised pricing with each shipment requested via Digital Lounge, marketplaces and host-to-host integrated connections, enabling them to book immediately with the best prices available

    Qatar’s Digital Lounge places an emphasis on user experience and ease of use, allowing customers to price and book cargo shipments without the need to call or email the sales team directly. The new pricing feature is now live on all online booking channels across the airline’s network.

    The carrier said PROS Air Cargo Orchestration Services enables it to provide real-time, optimised prices to third-party digital marketplaces like WebCargo, CargoAI and Cargo.one.

    “PROS real-time pricing engine provides a highly accurate, scalable pricing capability that directly translates to a reliable and responsive buying experience for our customers,” said Florent Bonello, Vice President Cargo Revenue Management at Qatar Airways Cargo. “As a next phase of our implementation, we are seamlessly integrating PROS Smart Configure Price Quote within our sales ecosystem, so that we can quickly manage and deliver omnichannel quoting across our spot, contract and allotment sales.”

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  • National Airlines of Qatar treats fans to football match

    National Airlines of Qatar treats fans to football match

    As an Official Partner of FIFA, Qatar Airways is keen to bring fellow football fans across the globe with their #OnYourFeet challenge on social media sites. The winners of the challenge will receive two Business Class tickets to any destination on the award-winning airline’s global route network.

    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM has begun, marking an entire month of excitement as fans from around the world gather in Russia to celebrate their love for football. Whether you are a football enthusiast, dedicated to supporting your national team or even your favourite local team, the World Cup is a global event that unites us all, and we are thrilled to be supporting such a world-class sporting occasion.”

    The award-winning airline recently captured the excitement of the upcoming tournament by launching its new 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM campaign, featuring a re-recording of the classic song ‘Dancing in the Street’ sung by renowned singer and TV star Nicole Scherzinger. The upbeat TV commercial has seen tremendous global success, with more than 20 million views across the airline’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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  • Vietjet and Qatar Airways sign Interline Agreement

    Vietjet and Qatar Airways sign Interline Agreement

    Vietjet recently announced a two-phase interline partnership with Doha – based Qatar Airways. The first phase which came into effect this September will enable Qatar Airways’ passengers to travel to and from points in Vietnam and in Taiwan served directly by Vietjet; the next phase will soon allow Vietjet’s passengers to fly to more than 150 points around the world served by Qatar Airways using a single reservation system that serves both airlines’ networks.

    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vietjet to our growing roster of interline partners as they allow us to provide a more seamless experience for our passengers. The new agreement with Vietjet will offer our passengers even more choice, providing them an easy connection in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi before transferring to their Qatar Airways flights.”

    Vietjet Vice President, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, said: “This partnership is a pillar of Vietjet’s strategy to diversify our services with an aim at offering our passengers travel opportunities to points all over the world. We will continue to partner with other airlines based on advanced technology platforms to better benefit our passengers.”

    Qatar Airways is commencing two non-stop operations connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Doha with frequencies of double daily flights and ten weekly flights, respectively.

    Previously, Vietjet and Japan Airlines agreed to codeshare/interline on their flights between Japan and Vietnam, their domestic services and their flights between Vietnam and other Asian countries. The two carriers also cooperate in various areas including a frequent flier partnership, aircraft operations and maintenance, and ground handling services and training.

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  • Indonesia may lose 50,000 tourists because of Qatar crisis

    Indonesia may lose 50,000 tourists because of Qatar crisis

    The Indonesian government is predicting that the recent severing of ties between several Arab countries and Qatar would deal a blow to the archipelago’s tourism industry, with 50,000 expected tourists not showing up because of the crisis, a senior official said on Tuesday.

    That is the number of visitors Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said Qatar Airways, for the most part, would have brought to Indonesia this year.

    “Given that seven months are left in the year 2017, we estimate we will lose about 50,000 foreign tourists as a result of the boycott of Qatar,” Arief told reporters at the State Palace on Tuesday.

    In order to reduce the expected loss, Arief said his ministry would coordinate with the Transportation Ministry to transfer the license given to the Qatari airline to other airlines, such as Emirates and Etihad.

    “First of all, I will ask the Transportation Ministry to transfer the aircraft license given to Qatar Airways to other airlines. We have no option as they Qatar Airways could not fly their aircraft anyway,” Arief said.

    Qatar Airways said on its official website it had suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia.

    Saudi Arabia and several of its allies on Monday cut relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism.

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  • Qatar Airways Umrah Passengers Transferred to Garuda Indonesia

    Qatar Airways Umrah Passengers Transferred to Garuda Indonesia

    Qatar Airways umrah passengers will be transferred to flag carrier Garuda Indonesia. “We have a partnership with Qatar Airways. Some passengers to be carried from Jakarta to Saudi Arabia will be transferred to Garuda Indonesia, it expected to happen in a short term,” Garuda CEO Pahala Mansyuri told us yesterday, June 8. According to Pahala, the opportunity will be exploited by Garuda Indonesia to introduce its highly potential umrah services. The first phase will see the transfer of 45 Qatar Airways passengers in Jakarta-Saudi Arabia route. In the phase, around 150 passengers will be carried in the routes previously operated by Qatar Airways.

    In a written statement issued Wednesday Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that he has not revoked Qatar Airways flight license. The government will only transfer Indonesian umrah passengers using Qatar Airways to other airlines.

    Budi said that the transfer will be done in the wake of the diplomatic row between Qatar and some other Gulf countries. The conflict has resulted in a ban on Qatar Airways from flying above Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, which is the destination country of hajj and umrah.

    As for flights from and to Indonesia, Qatar Airways may still carry passengers as usual. “Qatar Airways can still serve flights from and to Indonesia and [passengers] may continue the travel to third countries aside from those having diplomatic issues with Qatar,” the minister said.

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  • Qatar Airways taps Inmarsat for in-flight broadband

    Qatar Airways taps Inmarsat for in-flight broadband

    Qatar Airways has become the first major Middle East airline to select Inmarsat’s new GX Aviation in-flight broadband solution for in-flight broadband.

    The Inmarsat solution will initially be available to Qatar Airways passengers on board more than 130 aircraft, consisting of Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s.

    GX Aviation technology has already been equipped on Qatar Airways’ latest Airbus A350s. Installations on the airline’s remaining Airbus A350s, together with the Boeing 777s, will start on a retrofit basis from this summer.

    GX Aviation is touted as the world’s first in-flight connectivity solution with reliable, seamless high-speed global coverage provided through a single operator. Inmarsat says the service allows airline passengers to browse the internet, stream videos, check social media and more during flights, with an on-board connectivity experience “on par with broadband services available on the ground.”

    “Broadband transformation on the ground is already well advanced and we are able to transfer that into the very challenging in-flight environment, working with Qatar Airways to make connectivity a success,” said Leo Mondale, president of Inmarsat Aviation.

    “Our networks are engineered with multiple layers for redundancy and global coverage. Our design philosophy is to scale up capacity over time to fit the route systems of our airline customers and reflect the industry’s real needs.”

    The service will integrate with Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system and ensure that connectivity initiatives, such as its passenger app and aircraft technology, will be strengthened using dependable in-flight broadband. GX Aviation also complements the airline’s latest passenger experience innovations.

    Qatar Airways will connect to the GX network using exclusive JetWave terminals produced by Inmarsat partner Honeywell Aerospace. The terminals are designed for ease of installation and maintenance to assure the lowest downtime for any cabin connectivity solution in the market.

    The selection of GX Aviation follows a separate announcement that Qatar Airways has activated an advanced new space-based system, supplied by Inmarsat, to track all of its flights across the world.

    Inmarsat worked exclusively with Qatar Airways to develop this solution, which uses Inmarsat’s satellite technology to provide the exact real-time location of the airline’s aircraft in latitude and longitude.

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  • Qatar Airways Cargo introduces additional pharma express flights

    Qatar Airways Cargo introduces additional pharma express flights

    In a non-stop industry like container handling, efficiency is king and downtime can be costly. One company that knows this first-hand is Port of Melbourne- based CC Containers, which prides itself on efficiency, reliability and safety.

    CC Containers selected United Forklift and Access Solutions to provide the company with Konecranes empty container handling lift trucks to expand its container handling fleet with world-class equipment built tough to cope with high-pace demands and to optimise efficiency for its customers.

    United Forklift and Access Solutions, which is national distributor for Konecranes forklift and container handling equipment also backed the new technology with a dedicated full-time technician on-site for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of the new units, as well as other existing units.

    United supplied a total of five Konecranes SMV empty container handlers to suit CC Container’s expanding operational needs.

    “The container handlers are reliable robust pieces of equipment,” said Mr David Muir, managing director of CC Containers, whose company places a high emphasis on standards of reliability and safety.

    “The other major bonus for us is that the drivers like using them. They have good visibility and comfort and are easy to use, which makes a big difference to staff performance,” says Muir.

    In addition to the advanced container handling technologies, United also provided CC Containers with an experienced full-time technician, Gene Roberts, who is on-site and can respond to any maintenance or repair issues quickly and effectively.

    “Mr Roberts has been a great help to us at CC Containers. He has helped with servicing, monitoring and OH&S requirements, which means we are always meeting or exceeding compliance and standards objectives,” said Muir.

    Konecranes is a major global player in the design and manufacture of heavy duty forklifts, reach stackers and container handling equipment, with its SMV series purpose-built to quickly lift, move and sort both empty and full containers in and around ports. Designed to cope with high demands with both speed and efficiency, the Konecranes empty container handlers in service with CC Containers offer a very fast total operating speed as a function of lifting, lowering and driving speed based on load-sensing hydraulics to cope with extreme demands. The container lift trucks also feature the new Optima cabin – which has enhanced cabin space and visibility – and an extensive range of innovative features which optimise quality, productivity and life cycle cost.

    CC Containers’ expanded Konecranes empty container handlersfleet includes:

    • The ECB 80 empty container handler, which can stack six containers high up to eight tonnes
    • The ECB 90 empty container handler, which can stack seven-eight containers highup to nine tonnes
    • The ECB 100DS empty container handler which can lift two boxes at the same time, up to 10 tonnes capacity, and stack six-seven containers high.
  • Qatar Airways Cargo expands Asia networks

    Qatar Airways Cargo expands Asia networks

    Qatar Airways Cargo’s expanding list of freighter destinations will see the addition of Budapest, Prague and Ho Chi Minh City in March.

    With the addition of these cities, Qatar Airways Cargo, the air freight division of the Qatari national carrier, will have 14 European freighter destinations and six to the Asia-Pacific region.

    The Doha-Ho Chi Minh freight service will be operated twice a week by an A330F, departing Thursdays and Saturdays, with 120 tonnes of cargo capacity, in addition to the 72 tonnes weekly belly-hold capacity on the daily passenger flights to Ho Chi Minh.

    The new service by Qatar Airways Cargo is expected to support Vietnam’s growing influence as a major exporter of garments, footwear and handicrafts, with cargo sent to the United States and Europe via Doha.

    The new Doha–Budapest–Prague service will also be operated by an A330F, departing Thursdays and Sundays with the 120 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity on the A330F to be split evenly between the two Eastern European cities.

    This new route will provide a gateway into the Eastern European market from Asia for electronics and automotive parts, as well as textiles, pharmaceuticals and biotech products.

    Qatar Airways Cargo will continue to expand its network this year as new freighter aircraft enter the fleet.

    The airline took delivery of a new A330F and a new 747F nose loader last month, and a further A330F is scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of the year, followed by three new 777Fs by the end of 2016.

    Qatar Airways Cargo flies its freighters to 52 dedicated-cargo destinations and flies belly hold cargo on passenger aircraft to more than 150 international destinations.

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