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Qatar Airways plans new cargo terminal at Hamad International

AS QATAR Airways moves up the IATA table for the world's largest cargo airlines, the group's chief executive Akbar Al Baker has revealed plans for a huge new cargo facility at Hamad International.

Mr Al Baker said the airline was now the third largest international cargo airline in the world, according to IATA's freight tonne km figures. Last year, excluding integrators, it was ranked sixth in IATA's top 50 cargo airlines list.

The airline plans to create a second, even larger cargo terminal at the airline's hub, according to aircargonews.

The new double-deck facility, combined with the current facility, will allow Qatar Airways Cargo to handle 4.4 million tonnes of cargo a year, an increase from the current capacity of 1.4 million tonnes.

Mr Al Baker indicated that future plans include building further capacity for cargo at Hamad International Airport, to up to 7 million tonnes.

"Our cargo capability is a major component in driving our group success and growth, and it will remain a focus of our expansion in the coming years," he added.

Qatar Airways chief officer cargo Ulrich Ogiermann said the new cargo terminal is scheduled to open in 2018.

"Having the ability to handle 4.4 million tonnes of cargo a year will put Qatar Airways Cargo into another league, and enhance the efficiency and service already offered at our existing state-of-the-art facility."