Qatar Airways Cargo Opens Pittsburgh Services

Qatar Airways Cargo Opens Pittsburgh Services

Qatar Airways Cargo Opens Pittsburgh Services. Qatar Airways Cargo's Boeing 777 freighter arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport last Thursday to a big wave of water in the presence of dignitaries, Qatar Airways Cargo officials, Pittsburgh International Airport and the media.

The cargo carrier launched Pittsburgh as its thirteenth freighter destination in America.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar al-Baker said: "It is a proud moment for us to be the first international carrier to begin regular cargo services to Pittsburgh, bridging the air cargo gap between America, Europe and Asia "The launch of this new route reinforces our commitment to support the US import and export markets and offers a direct cargo connection from Pennsylvania to the extensive worldwide network of Qatar Airways Cargo.

Before the arrival of the inaugural flight, Qatar Airways Cargo and Pittsburgh International Airport celebrated the launch of this new route, inviting the local trading community, freight forwarders and shippers to a network reception.

Pittsburgh International Airport Executive Director Christina Cassotis said: "We are delighted that Qatar Airways Cargo has selected Pittsburgh as their next cargo destination in North America. Known for its world-class service, we are excited to welcome them as the first international cargo service to fly from Pittsburgh International Airport.

"I am grateful to Qatar Airways Cargo for partnering with us and recognizing the demand and opportunity here in Pittsburgh. This global airfreight connectivity positions Pittsburgh International as a logistics hub to import and export goods from our region."

Historically known for its rugged steel industry, Pittsburgh's manufacturing sector has diversified over the years with cutting-edge companies in life sciences, robotics, healthcare, information technology, nuclear engineering and energy that unite leading firms in traditional industries such as steel and chemicals. Products to be transported in and out of Pittsburgh include heavy electronic products, high-value products and pharmaceuticals.

The QR8143 freighter flight takes off from Doha on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with stops in Luxembourg and Atlanta, Georgia before arriving in Pittsburgh. Returning from Pittsburgh on Thursdays and Sundays, the freighter stops at the European center of the cargo company, Luxembourg, before arriving in Doha.

To complement the A350's wide-body daily flights to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city, the introduction of the Pittsburgh freight service will inject an additional 200 tons of weekly capacity, offering businesses in the city and state a direct air cargo to the worldwide network of freight carriers from more than 150 destinations.

The United States is an important market for the airline. With the launch of Pittsburgh, America's award-winning freight network has grown to a total of 17 freighter and bellwether destinations, four of which are served by Boeing 777 freighters: Mexico City, Halifax, Quito and Pittsburgh.

Qatar Airways Cargo expanded its presence in the Americas with the introduction of four freighter destinations this year: Quito, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Miami, connecting the burgeoning import and export market in the Americas with the rest of the world.

The freight carrier recently received its first Boeing 747-8F freighter and the 13th Boeing 777 freighter to meet its growing freight operations.