Qatar Airways Cargo will be introducing the Boeing 747 to its fleet on August 1, 2015 for charter services.

“Qatar Airways Cargo is experiencing increased worldwide demand for quality charter services as well as growing local demand with significant infrastructure projects under way in Qatar that require outsized cargo capacity,” said Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer of cargo at Qatar Airways. “The addition of the B747 freighter will also provide greater flexibility to our global network by supplementing our existing scheduled services as and when required.”

The first 747 to join the Qatar fleet will be a 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter, which will offer 112.5 tonnes of capacity. Loading and unloading is carried out through a side cargo door.

From October 2015, Qatar Airways Cargo will induct a 747-400 Freighter into the fleet to replace the 747-400BCF. This aircraft offers both belly and main deck capacity with 39 ULD positions, making it more flexible than the converted 747.

The cabin is pressurized and can therefore maintain temperatures from 4°C to 30°C. The aircraft will be capable of carrying livestock, perishables, heavy machinery, oversized equipment and humanitarian and relief aid on flights that are up to 10 hours long, according to the airline.

The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet consists of six Airbus A330-200Fs, eight Boeing 777Fs. The airline also has two A330-200Fs and eight 777Fs on order, and options for eight more A330-200Fs.