Qatar Airways Cargo has launched a load control centre at its Doha hub, featuring an automated weight and balance system for the loading of the carrier’s freighters.

“Automation and technology is seen as a highly strategic enabler for any business,” said Ulrich Ogiermann, chief cargo officer. “Qatar Airways Cargo is proud to be the first Middle Eastern carrier to launch our Freighter Load Control Centre at our hub in Doha and to introduce the automated weight and balance system for freighter aircraft. In addition to the numerous benefits this brings to customers and the business, the reduction in fuel consumption will also further reduce carbon emissions as part of our commitment to environmental management.”

According to Qatar Airways Cargo, automation simplifies the conventional manual process by reducing the time it takes to set up load sheets and carry out load-planning and weight-check processes prior to departure. This enhances the carrier’s management of operations and flight turnarounds.

Using data from the system, each aircraft’s payload and lateral imbalance can be optimized to reduce fuel consumption, according to the carrier.

Qatar Airways Cargo’s freighter fleet consists of eight Airbus A330-200Fs, two Boeing 747-400Fs and 10 777Fs.