Qatar Airways has received its first freighter, which will significantly boost the carrier's cargo business. At a cost of $10 million, the A300-600R passenger aircraft has been converted to a freighter at Elbe Flugzeugweke in Dresden, Germany. The freighter was delivered to Qatar Airways 20 days ahead of schedule.
Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al-Baker, announced the addition of the A300-600R at the company's annual cargo conference in Doha. "This freighter is expected to generate significant business to the airline," said Al-Baker. "The company is planning to buy two additional dedicated freighters within the coming couple of years."
"With the ability to offer a full payload of 42 tons, the freighter will become an integral part of Qatar Airways cargo strategy," said Al-Baker. "We are expecting to achieve cargo growth rates in the coming year of around 35 percent. Along with the new freighter, the new cargo terminal expansion will offer cargo capacity of 180,000 tons.
Qatar Airways has launched a growth plan to ensure that it can offer a greater choice of destinations, flights and the latest in-flight products and service. As part of this growth plan, Qatar Airways will extend its route network to 50 destinations by the end of 2003. It presently flies to 40 destinations. It has recently announced the addition of Manchester, Rome, Kochi and Basra to its increasing route network.
Qatar Airways also operates a number of subsidiary companies including Qatar Aviation Service, Qatar Aviation Catering Company, Qatar Airways Holidays, Doha International Airport and Qatar Duty Free. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
