Qatar Airways Cargo Launches World's Largest Animal Air Facility In Doha
Qatar Airways Cargo has unveiled the world's most extensive air cargo facility dedicated to animals at its Doha hub, responding to the increasing volume of animals in transit. The state-of-the-art facility spans 5,260 sq m, outstripping its predecessor's 4,000 sq m, making it a significant upgrade in terms of capacity and features.
The new centre boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to cater to a wide variety of animals. With 140 dog kennels, 40 cat kennels, and 24 horse stables spread across four distinct zones, the facility is equipped to handle everything from day-old chicks and birds to fish, reptiles, and exotic animals. Unlike typical airport animal facilities that cater primarily to arrivals and departures, this facility is uniquely designed for transit shipments, featuring dedicated rooms that adhere to the differing customs formalities of transit and import/export shipments.
One of the standout features of the facility is its expansive area for cattle, complete with air-conditioned pens and veterinary examination areas. This advancement allows for daytime cattle charters, a significant improvement over the limitations of the previous facility. Additionally, the centre includes both airside and landside docks, the capacity to handle 47 Unit Load Devices (ULDs) simultaneously, and specialised ULD rooms for efficient cargo handling.
The animal areas are not only temperature controlled but also offer a calming ambiance with music in selected rooms, aimed at de-stressing the animals. The facility also adapts to peak seasons, such as the falcon season, with flexible rooms that can accommodate over 200 birds in a single day. Round-the-clock veterinary services are provided, ensuring the animals' welfare throughout their stay.
Qatar Airways Cargo initiated the planning for this expansive facility back in 2020, driven by an uptick in demand and the expansion of its fleet. This surge in demand is partly attributed to the rising popularity of horse transport, spurred by global events and increased horse ownership. In the previous year alone, the airline transported 550,000 animals, including 10,000 horses, highlighting the growing need for such a facility.
The importance of creating a relaxed environment for the animals, who may spend several hours at the facility during transit, was a key consideration in the facility's design. Officially opening on March 12, the transition to the new facility was phased to ensure a smooth changeover, which has now been successfully completed.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, lauded the new facility, emphasizing its significance in matching the airline's status as the leading carrier of animals. The design of the facility took into consideration the emotional well-being of the animals, aiming to minimize stress. Drusch reaffirmed the airline's commitment to animal welfare, stating, "This holistic approach to animal care is a fundamental part of our ethos, driving us to innovate and lead the industry."
Concurrent with the facility's opening, Qatar Airways Cargo announced several enhancements to its live animal transport service. These include an online kennel size calculator in line with IATA Live Animal Regulations, improved customer service procedures, digitalized training for rapid staff compliance, and a pet card service providing updates and photos of pets during transit. Drusch concluded, "With our new animal centre and service enhancements, we are not just setting new standards for animal transport; we're actively working towards a future where every aspect of our operations reflects a deep respect for animal welfare."
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