Qatar Airways Cargo Launches State-Of-The-Art Animal Care – Airline Ratings

Qatar Airways Cargo has announced the opening of its state-of-the-art Animal Centre and the relaunch of its Next Generation Live product, setting new benchmarks in the transport of live animals.

As a leading transporter, with over 550,000 animals including 10,000 horses flown in 2023, the airline reaffirms its commitment to animal welfare.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer of Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, shares his vision: “At Qatar Airways Cargo, we recognise our responsibility extends far beyond the mere transportation of animals. We are committed to advocating for their welfare globally, ensuring our operations respect and contribute positively to their overall well-being. This holistic approach to animal care is a fundamental part of our ethos, driving us to innovate and lead in the industry. With our new Animal Centre and service enhancements, we’re not just setting new standards for animal transport, we’re actively working towards a future where every aspect of our operations reflects a deep respect for animal welfare, embodying our commitment to making a meaningful difference in their lives.”

Qatar Airways Cargo Animal Centre Highlights

• Facility Size: 5,260 square meters, featuring full temperature control for optimal animal comfort.
• Kennel Capacity: 140 dog kennels and 40 cat kennels.
• Horse Stables: 24 stables distributed in 4 zones with separate airflows for proper segregation.
• Specialty Areas: Custom spaces designed for day-old-chicks, birds, fish, reptiles and exotic animals.
• Handling Features: Includes airside and landside interfaces with multiple docks for efficient operations. Equipped with a sophisticated HVAC system for maintaining optimal air quality.
• Technology: Capacity for handling up to 47 ULD positions, with specialized ULD rooms for various operations.

Live Product Enhancements

Qatar Airways Cargo proudly introduces significant enhancements to its live animal transport services:

• Kennel Calculator Tool: An innovative online resource for determining the ideal kennel size, ensuring comfort and compliance with IATA LAR standards.
• Streamlined Customer Service: Procedures have been refined for faster and more efficient customer interactions with a dedicated Control Tower for the most sensitive shipments
• Digitalized IATA LAR Training: Ensures rapid compliance and enhances staff proficiency in animal handling.
• Pet Card Service: Continues to offer a personal touch by sharing updates and photos of pets during transit, enhancing customer experience and peace of mind.

About Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, State of Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 70 freighter destinations and 170 passenger destinations utilising freighters and belly-hold passenger aircraft. The airline’s freighter fleet includes 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold planes. It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network. The cargo airline is the launch customer for the innovative Boeing 777-8F featuring advanced technology, and a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, with the first delivery arriving in 2027.

As a market leader, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo, with considerable investments in digitalisation, products, facilities and services.

Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability programme WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy and culture.

With considerable investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its destinations, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo. Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability programme WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture.