As part of its focus on flying more fuel-efficient aircraft, Qatar Airways Cargo’s last Boeing 747F recently landed for the final time in commercial cargo service.

The airline already has a huge number of new Boeing 777-8Fs on order which are more fuel-efficient and will reduce CO2 emissions by 30% compared to the 747-8.

Over the past seven years since joining Qatar Airways Cargo’s fleet, the airline’s two 747Fs were deployed on more than 9,000 flights totalling over 66,000 block hours and together transporting almost 800,000 tonnes.

Throughout its service, the number one destination where the 747s served was Incheon at 1,165 flights. Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Guangzhou were also among the top 10 destinations the cargo aircraft served.

From racing cars (30 can fit on a 747F) to thoroughbred race horses (up to 90 horses can be carried in one flight), Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 747 freighters provided reliable, safe transport for many international customers. It was also a stalwart of the pandemic, carrying PPE and other medical equipment across the world, at a time when many of the world’s aircraft were grounded.

Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “When we welcomed our Boeing 747 freighters to the Qatar Airways Cargo fleet seven years ago, we were responding to a sharp rise in customer demand for capacity, which we were quickly able to fulfill.

“Our next generation freighter strategy is based both on evolving customer expectations and our firm commitment on sustainability and efficiency. Efficiency is achieved through fleet harmonisation and simplification, and sustainability is improved by the latest in-flight and fuel technology.

“For these important factors, Qatar Airways Cargo is the launch customer for Boeing’s next generation 777-8F freighter, the most fuel-efficient, lowest carbon footprint freighter in the cargo industry. We are committed to the most modern and cleanest freighter fleet in the industry.”

Qatar Airways Cargo has a firm order for 34 Boeing 777-8Fs, with options for 16 more, to augment its fleet of 27 Boeing 777 Freighters. The 28th 777F is set to join the fleet in mid-March.

Featuring advanced technology systems, air frames and engines, the 777-8 Freighter will be the most efficient, largest long-range and most capable twin-engine widebody freighter in the industry.

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