Overheard at Cargo Facts Symposium Part I: Air cargo still on the upswing

SAN DIEGO – A crowd of senior air cargo executives gathered for Cargo Facts Symposium 2018, held this year for the first time at the Omni San Diego. Once again, attendees were enlightened with presentations and discussions from some of air cargo’s best and brightest while enjoying networking opportunities with the people shaping the air […]

• Caryn Livingston
• October 15, 2018

Qatar Airways takes delivery of 777Fs after overall difficult year

In an otherwise challenging year for the Gulf carrier, Qatar Airways’ cargo division has been a bright spot that keeps growing – most recently, with Qatar Airways Cargo taking delivery of another two 777 freighters (62771, 62772) from Boeing. Qatar Airways Cargo indicated it would increase its 777F order with Boeing back in April when […]

• Caryn Livingston
• September 20, 2018

Sichuan Airlines to take Qatar Airways Cargo’s off-lease A330-200Fs?

Earlier this month at Air Cargo China in Shanghai, Qatar Airways’ Chief Officer Cargo, Guillaume Halleux confirmed to Cargo Facts that the leasing agreements for three A330-200Fs currently in its fleet will expire in early 2019, leaving many to question where these aircraft might end up. This week local media in China reported that Chengdu-based […]

• Charles Kauffman
• May 30, 2018

5 takeaways from Air Cargo China

Shanghai –Last week, Cargo Facts was once again in Shanghai, this time around exploring the massive exhibition halls of the air cargo pavilion at Transport Logistic China.  A May-heatwave might have driven foot traffic to stands with cold beverages, or prime locations underneath air conditioning vents, but there was no shortage of revealing interviews and […]

• Charles Kauffman
• May 21, 2018

Qatar Airways Cargo outgrowing its need for A330-200Fs

Shanghai – Today at Air Cargo China, Qatar Airways’ chief officer cargo Guillaume Halleux confirmed what Cargo Facts had long believed –  that it will not be renewing the leases on three A330-200Fs currently in its fleet and will be returning the aircraft to the lessor once leasing agreements expire in early 2019. The fate of the five […]

• Charles Kauffman
• May 17, 2018

Qatar Airways takes delivery of first 747-8F, reveals orders for 777Fs

SEATTLE – Yesterday, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways was onsite at Boeing’s Delivery Center in Everett, WA to celebrate the handover of Qatar Airways Cargo’s maiden 747-8F (63199). The delivery of a second 140-tonne capacity nose-loading freighter is expected in November, and beyond that,  QR Cargo’s rapidly growing freighter fleet will […]

• Charles Kauffman
• September 26, 2017

Cargo growth stalls in the UAE

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways reported 2016 cargo volume unchanged from 2015 at 593,000 tonnes. This is in stark contrast to the incredible growth Etihad has reported in previous years, but right in line with what is happening in neighboring Dubai, where Emirates is reporting a similar halt to growth. In the five years from 2009 […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 14, 2017

Europe’s airports got busier in 2016

Almost unanimously, Europe’s major airports have reason to rejoice as they reflect on their 2016 cargo handles, which on average, were up 6.8% over 2015. Though many of the region’s legacy carriers grew in parallel, increased tonnage at European airports in 2016 was strongly reinforced by the influx of new flights from outside carriers. We […]

• Charles Kauffman
• January 23, 2017

Qatar Cargo’s Continuing Growth

Although the trio of new Airbus A330-200 Freighters has been the primary headline at Qatar Cargo this year, the carrier has also recently added another 777 Freighter, A7-BFE (msn: 39644) on June 22. The new aircraft brings Qatar Cargo’s 777 fleet to five, with three remaining on order. The 777Fs are used for long-haul missions, […]

• David Harris
• July 16, 2013