Instead of bluntly imposing a ban on further expansion of air services, like Dutch state secretary Ms Wilma Mansveld unilaterally did on Qatar Airways a few weeks ago, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Sigmar Gabriel last week did exactly the opposite by hosting the Arab-German Business Forum in Berlin, where Qatar Airways’ Chief Officer Cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann, was invited as a guest speaker.
Under the title "Air logistics as a catalyst for growth," the forum was organised in cooperation with the General Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce (GUCCIAAC), the League of Arab States and the
Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).
Ogiermann told his audience of more than 600 leading experts and decision-makers from business, politics and science, that despite challenges to gain more traffic rights, Qatar Airways Cargo
achieved a growth record with traffic 48% up on last year.
Deepened relationship
“There is a positive history of mutual investment between Qatar and Germany. Over recent years both the political and the economic relationship between Germany and Qatar has been deepened by
increasing bilateral trade and we hope this is further extended to the aviation sector," said Ogiermann, adding that "Qatar Airways Cargo stands ready to further invest in German jobs and German
infrastructure.”
QR to launch A350 service to MUC
Qatar Airways Cargo launched services to Germany in 1998 and serves three cities, Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich from its Doha hub. The airline has operated daily dedicated B777 freighters to
Frankfurt since 2007.
In addition, Qatar Airways Cargo operates a trucking network to 13 other cities in Germany, transporting over 1,100 tonnes of cargo across Germany’s borders every month, and the volumes continue
to grow rapidly.
Coming October, Qatar Airways will launch the A350 XWB to Munich, delivering double-daily flights to the city alongside the existing B787 Dreamliner service. From 1 November the second daily
flight to Munich will also be operated with the A350 XWB.
Four more freighters to come
At the Paris-held Air Show Qatar Airways and Boeing announced a firm order for 10 777-8Xs and four 777 freighters on the opening day of the 2015 event.
The deal is valued at $4.8 billion (€4.27 bn) at current list prices.
“The order for four 777 Freighters underpins the value that this airplane has also brought to our rapidly growing cargo operations. Qatar Airways Cargo is an integral part of the Qatar Airways
Group and we look forward to enhancing the existing fleet with next-generation aircraft,” stated CEO Akbar Al Baker.
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