Qatar Airways Cargo has transported the first two batches of Holstein cows from Europe to Doha, addressing local demand after the severing of all diplomatic ties with Qatar by countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in June 2017.

According to Qatar Airways Cargo, it has been appointed by Baladna Farm, a local livestock facility, to bring in more than 20 cattle shipments from Europe, Australia and the US, accounting for a total 4,000 cows.

“It is with utmost pride that we were given the opportunity to offer our expertise and services to support this momentous project,” said Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer of cargo at Qatar Airways. “We are truly a part of history, helping launch the country’s newest industry, producing dairy products to meet local demand. The cattle charters involve a great deal of skill and coordination to ensure the flight from the points of origin to Doha was smooth and safe. With our extensive freighter fleet and state-of-the-art cargo facility at our Doha hub, we were able to meet our client Baladna Farm’s requirements with tailor-made solutions to transport the cattle from various continents swiftly into Doha. Our dedicated team at Qatar Airways Cargo is well-trained and our QR Live product is fully compliant with IATA’s Live Animal Regulations to ensure safe and comfortable air transportation of live animals.”

Baladna Farm has built special temperature-controlled cowsheds to offer a comfortable environment for the animals. The 700,000-square-metre farm also houses 40,000 Awassi sheep, 5,000 goats and an animal feed mill which produces 100 tonnes a day.

“We are proud to expand the dairy industry in the State of Qatar, and are thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo for the expedient, safe and secure transportation of the cattle that have now safely arrived at their new home, Baladna Farm,” said Moutaz Al Khayat, chairman of Power International Holding, parent of Baladna. “With the arrival of the dairy cows, we aim to meet 30-35% of the imported milk demand in the country within two months.”

Qatar Airways Cargo also undertook the task of airlifting food and other grocery items into the country over several weeks following the blockade, using a combination of its own fleet and leased aircraft.