Qatar Airways Cargo extends its Brussels operation

Apr 19, 2017: Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its Brussels operation with the addition of a Boeing B777F to its schedule. Qatar Airways already operates seven Airbus A330F weekly freighter flights into Brussels, in addition to eight passenger flights with its new Boeing B787 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

By replacing one of its A330F with a larger B777F, the cargo carrier has again increased its capacity. The route of the new aircraft will be Halifax to Brussels and onwards to Doha.

Steven Polmans, cargo head, Brussels Airport, said, “In just a few years, Qatar Airways Cargo has grown to become one of our biggest cargo players at the airport, offering direct capacity from the Middle East as well as Africa into Brussels. These flights contributed tremendously to our growth in, for example, perishables at the airport.”

Two years ago, Qatar Airways Cargo was the first airline to operate “pharma express” flights, dedicated to shipping pharmaceuticals between Brussels and Doha. Steven said, “Pharma is our key commodity and strategic focus, so these flights very much supported us getting the position we have today as the preferred pharma gateway in Europe and we are pleased to see they are very successful.”

Qatar Airways Cargo will introduce its eighth weekly service in May, to Brussels by adding another Airbus A330F. It will operate from Doha to Brussels and return.

Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer cargo, Qatar Airways, said, “The tremendous support from Brussels Airport and our global customers has empowered our rapid growth in Brussels. Meeting our customer's business needs is fundamental and we strive to provide the most strategic freighter routes to connect Brussels with the world’s major trade markets via our Doha hub. We will continue to offer our best specialist products, QR Pharma and QR Fresh, and quality services to uphold the growing needs of perishable and pharma shipments in these markets.”