Qatar Airways Cargo has opened its new state-of-the-art 5,260 sqm Animal Centre, featuring full temperature control for optimal animal comfort.

Having transported over 550,000 animals including 10,000 horses flown in 2023, the airline says the new centre reaffirms its commitment to animal welfare.

Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “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.”

Some of the key highlights of the Animal Centre include:

• 140 dog kennel and 40 cat kennel capacity
• 24 horse stables distributed in four zones with separate airflows for proper segregation
• Custom spaces designed for day-old-chicks, birds, fish, reptiles and exotic animals
• Airside and landside interfaces with multiple docks for efficient operations.
• HVAC system for maintaining optimal air quality
• Capacity for handling up to 47 ULD positions, with specialised ULD rooms for various operations.

The opening of the new centre aligns with Qatar Airways Cargo‘s relaunch of its Next Generation Live product which includes a kennel calculator tool, streamlined customer service, digitalised IATA LAR training, and a new Pet Card Service.

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