AIR CARG O WEEK


NEWS Qatar’s new COC to build on Boeing partnership


SPEAKING to Air Cargo Week, Mark Drusch, the newly appointed Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, has emphasised the carrier’s confidence in its relationship with Boeing, as it prepares to welcome a fleet of 777X freighters in 2027.


to our requirements. With the technology we’re going to install, it really will be a game changer.”


Key considerations While acknowledging that the decision was finalised under his predecessor, Drusch highlighted three key aspects of the aircraft that had led to the choice. Firstly, with sustainability hot on the agenda,


the fuel efficiency presented by the aircraft will help Qatar Cargo to achieve its green goals. Consuming 25 percent less fuel, the 777X freighter will not just cut CO2 emissions but it will reduce costs. “It allows us to tap into other markets and


build on existing markets because it’s less expensive for us to operate there, giving us an advantage – That’s number one,” Drusch outlined. Secondly, Drusch hopes the incorporation of


innovative developments into the aircraft will both provide state-of-the-art technology and enhance capabilities for customers: “We’ve got a whole range of cool things we’ve already laid out and we’re going to put more stuff in.” Thirdly, Qatar is confident in the aircraft’s


overall performance. Once completed, Boeing has stated that the 777XF will be the largest and longest-range twin-engine cargo plane on the market, with Drusch highlighting how it will “open up regions we couldn’t operate to before.” Adding to the elements that he could


“It’s a done deal with Boeing and we’re very


pleased with it” Drusch stated, pointing to the scale model of the aircraft on display in his Doha office. “We were the launch customer, so we’ve been able to work with Boeing to make it closer


discuss, Drusch suggested more was in the pipeline, with Qatar still actively working alongside Boeing as the manufacturer moves towards the expected delivery date. “When I met with the Boeing guys, we threw idea for them to look at with


out another


regards to the aircraft,” he revealed. “Pie in the sky, big picture ideas. But that’s what I want to do. I want to push the envelope in terms of thinking about what we do next.”


ACW 26 FEBRUARY 2024


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