[150617.EN.BIZ] Qatar Airways Posts 20.9pc Demand Increase, Hitting Million Ton Mark

DESPITE an Arab boycott, Qatar Airways has had cargo demand surpass the one million ton mark for the first time together with rising revenues, London's Air Cargo News.

Cargo demand increased 20.9 per cent year on year in its annual results to 1.15 million tons. Cargo revenues for the period increased by 13.5 per cent year on year to reach QR6.4 billion (US$1.7 billion).

The increase comes as the airline increased its network during the year, adding six new freighter destinations and the launch of 10 new bellyhold flights.

It also increased frequencies to existing destinations.

This year it has added new freighter services to the Americas with flights launched to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Quito and Miami while adding flights to London Heathrow.

The past year has also seen the airline's freighter fleet grow. At the end of March 2016, the airline's all-cargo fleet consisted of eight B777-200Fs and five A330-200Fs.

At the same point this year, its cargo fleet included 12 B777Fs and a single B747F. An additional B777F is due to join the fleet during fiscal 2018.

Other developments at the airline include the introduction of online services and the launch of a QR Cargo mobile device app.

Qatar Airways also plans to soon open an advanced airside climate control centre at its Hamad International hub.

In the longer term million it is increasing cargo capacity at the airport, from million the 1.8 million tonnes handled last year to 4.4 million tonnes, through the addition of a second cargo terminal.

Source : HKSG.