The State of Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Finance, His Excellency Yousef Hussain Kamal has inaugurated a global air cargo conference attracting over 1,000 delegates in the capital Doha.

His Excellency welcomed industry leaders from around the world for three days of lively discussion and debate, highlighting the key role that the Government was playing in boosting and supporting the local, regional and international aviation industry.

During today’s opening address of the 7th World Cargo Symposium, His Excellency spoke of how the nation was proud of its dynamic aviation industry with the rapid growth of the national airline Qatar Airways and new infrastructure with the opening soon of Hamad International Airport in the Qatari capital.

He said the country’s new global gateway will be an iconic architectural masterpiece that the entire country has been looking forward to, creating a new hub for passengers and cargo, with huge economic benefits for the nation. The conference, which runs until March 14, is being held at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Centre.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker used the platform of the annual event, organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to unveil expansion plans for the airline’s freighter division – Qatar Airways Cargo.

He said Qatar Airways will expand its freighter fleet with more aircraft by the end of the year to significantly boost the airline’s cargo operations. 

Addressing a packed ballroom of air freight executives from around the world, Al Baker said 2013 will be an exciting year for Qatar Airways Cargo with new aircraft and more dedicated cargo destinations being added.
“We started the year with seven freighters and a solid plan in place to significantly boost our existing freighter fleet during 2013,” said Al Baker.

“The delivery of our first Airbus A330 freighter just days ago, and a further two A330s due in Doha over the next few weeks heralds the beginning of a new era for Qatar Airways Cargo.

“Our fifth Boeing 777 freighter will arrive this summer, and we are looking at bringing in a further three Airbus A330s by the end of the year. 
“These are truly exciting times for our cargo business which is developing into a world class operation, serving both the regional and international freighter community. 

“Additionally, with a major investment of US$1 billion into a brand new cargo complex at Hamad International Airport, we are making a significant impact in the regional, and indeed, the international freighter industry.
 
“With all the investment going into our new freighters and facilities at Hamad International Airport, this shows the level of our commitment in a vibrant industry.

“We look forward to being among the top five air cargo operators in the world within the next five years, something that will be a reality which is exciting news for our airline and our employees.”

Al Baker said Qatar Airways was delighted to host this year’s conference, sharing the airline’s success story and fine hospitality with industry colleagues from around the world. 

Qatar Airways is this year’s World Cargo Symposium host, while its freighter division, Qatar Airways Cargo is the main sponsor. Local sponsors include International Bank of Qatar (IBQ), Ooredoo (formerly known as Qtel) and Alfardan Automobiles.
Added Al Baker: “Cargo is one of the most complex, yet crucial products in our industry, and we can be sure that a lot will be achieved here over the next three days during healthy discussion and debate.”

“Everyone attending this conference is committed to ensuring the air cargo industry moves forward with clear goals and strategies for a sustainable future in an ever-changing environment and challenging marketplace.”

IATA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler spoke of the need for the industry to work together, using new technology and processes to improve efficiency across the global supply chain.

Qatar Airways’ dedicated cargo network is an extension of the airline’s strategy to develop its global passenger services. The airline currently serves more than 40 dedicated freighter routes with eight cargo aircraft. 
Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying to 125 key destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas. 

Over the next few weeks and months, Qatar Airways will launch scheduled flights to a diverse portfolio of new routes, including Chicago, USA (April 10); Salalah, Oman (May 22); Chengdu, China, at a date to be confirmed, with many more start-ups to be announced.