Qatar Airways Cargo is celebrating its 20th anniversary of operating dedicated freighter services.

Since taking delivery of its very first freighter in 2003 – an Airbus A300-600, which was a converted passenger aircraft – Qatar Airways Cargo has grown into the world’s leading air cargo carrier.

Qatar Airways Cargo began regular operations to Amsterdam and Chennai, and shortly thereafter, to New Delhi.

Today, the cargo airline operates to more than 160 belly-hold and over 70 freighter destinations with over 200 passenger aircraft and 31 dedicated cargo freighters.

Elisabeth Oudkerk, senior vice president, cargo sales and network planning at Qatar Airways, said: “As Qatar Airways Cargo celebrates 20 years of freighter operations, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our customers for their continuous trust in our services.

“We take immense pride in our history and anticipate contributing to the promising future of air freight.”

Over the past two decades, Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its fleet, network, and product portfolio, becoming the world’s number one cargo carrier.

With the launch of its Next Generation strategy, the cargo airline has achieved significant accomplishments including being the first airline globally to complete the suite of IATA CEIV certifications, the launch of the Kigali Africa hub in partnership with RwandAir, and the introduction of innovative products like Pharma, Fresh, Courier, and SecureLift.

Furthermore, having embraced digital transformation early, Qatar Airways Cargo has successfully launched its new website and a state-of-the-art ebooking portal ‘Digital Lounge’, and partnered with marketplace platforms, bringing added-value to its customers.

Additionally, Qatar Airways Cargo has committed to sustainability through its WeQare programme, championing initiatives such as ‘Rewild the planet’ and launching a CO2 emission calculator.

As Qatar Airways Cargo enters its next decade, it says that it remains dedicated to digitalisation and sustainability, and being at the forefront of air cargo’s innovation and customer-centric solutions.