Qatar Airways ordered two 777-200 freighters from Boeing, as the Doha-based carrier aims to expand its long-range service to become one of the world’s largest air cargo operators within five years.
The carrier plans to expand its current cargo fleet of six freighters — three 777s and three A300s — to 11 freighters over the next four years, and eight of the aircraft will be 777 freighters.
“With its payload and range capability, reliability and economics, the Boeing 777 has met our high expectations, operating to cities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific non-stop from Doha,” said CEO Akbar Al Baker.
The carrier began freighter service to Atlanta, Houston and Toronto earlier this month, adding to the cargo unit’s dedicated service to Chicago. The flights are routed via the Luxembourg hub of Cargolux, the European all-cargo carrier in which Qatar Airways took a 35 percent stake in June.
The Journal of Commerce Online