Qatar Airways Cargo has unveiled an aerospace product: a comprehensive solution for the aviation, defence, and space technology sectors, specifically tailored to provide swift, secure, and supervised parts and components logistics.

In a statement, Qatar Airways Cargo said it is the only air cargo carrier to provide shock-absorbing engine transport dollies at its hub in Doha, capable of carrying the largest engines, including the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 and GEnx-2B engines, up to 20,000kg. This ensures smooth ground operations and protection of high-value and critical aerospace equipment and products.

The air cargo carrier also provides a floating loading technique for engines, which further serves to minimize ground time and expedite aircraft turnaround.

The air cargo carrier noted that mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions, or technical issues discovered during scheduled maintenance can all result in an aircraft having to remain grounded (Aircraft on Ground – AOG) until the necessary parts are sourced and repairs have been completed.

"AOG requirements are increasing and changing, given that international travel and cargo demand is on the rise, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) service providers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are becoming more globalised, and national aerospace industries are growing at a rapid pace," Qatar Airways Cargo said.

To meet these market requirements, the company has launched a new product, designed based on customer feedback, offering a tailored time-critical logistics solution to manufacturers, freight forwarders, and partners working with commercial airlines, as well as those serving the defence and space technology sectors.

Qatar Airways Cargo noted that "AEROSPACE" not only provides fast transport for traditional AOG commodities (commercial aircraft engines and spares) but also for all kinds of other critical aerospace parts and components such as avionics, electric propulsion equipment, airframe interiors, landing gears, and much more. 

"Time is money! That saying is particularly true when it comes to aviation in all its forms: every hour of downtime translates into lost revenue for airlines or sunk costs for aerospace projects," said Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways.

"Factor in the additional need for safety and constant supervision, and it's clear that our product – AEROSPACE – is the ideal solution for time-critical aviation parts and components."

Qatar Airways Cargo noted that AEROSPACE is available across its entire network and comes with the highest loading priority, a dedicated handling team, and Control Tower support to ensure the rapid processing and seamless transportation of crucial AOG shipments. 

Its dedicated special load team will respond to customer inquiries on the load ability of aerospace equipment within just 45 minutes. 

Qatar Airways Cargo noted that its global network, 28 Boeing 777 freighters, and 230 belly-hold passenger aircraft offer fast connections, with tail-to-tail transfers in as little as 4 hours.

Where required, ad-hoc charter operations can also be arranged.

"With our AEROSPACE product, we will be the number one logistics expert for every type of Aerospace product – whether it is for commercial aviation, defence, even space technologies," Drusch said.