Qatar Airways Cargo's Solution to Aircraft Downtime
Aircraft maintenance delays, whether due to mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions or technical issues found during routine servicing, can lead to what's termed in aviation as aircraft on ground (AOG) situations. As one might expect, in these cases an aircraft remains grounded until essential parts are delivered and repairs are carried out.
What's especially problematic is that AOG cases are increasing as global air travel and cargo demand continue to rise. At the same time, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers and OEMs are expanding internationally, while national aerospace industries are developing rapidly.
To address these industry demands, Qatar Airways Cargo has launched AEROSPACE, a logistics solution tailored to support manufacturers, freight forwarders and airline partners. Developed based on customer feedback, AEROSPACE is designed to transport time-critical aviation parts quickly and securely.
The service extends beyond standard AOG shipments, covering not only commercial aircraft engines and spare parts but also a wide range of aerospace components. These include avionics, electric propulsion systems, airframe interiors and landing gears, among others.
Advanced solutions for critical parts
Qatar Airways Cargo has built a reputation for reliability and precision in air freight.
The company is the only air cargo provider to introduce custom-engineered 20-ft and 40-ft engine transport dollies at its Doha hub. These shock-absorbing dollies can carry loads of up to 20,000kg, ensuring the protection of high-value aerospace equipment during ground handling.
Additionally, the carrier employs a floating loading technique for aircraft engines, designed to minimise ground time and accelerate turnaround. This approach helps airlines and aerospace companies reduce financial losses associated with extended aircraft downtime.
Mark Drusch, Chief Cargo Officer at Qatar Airways, highlights the importance of speed in aviation logistics: “Time is money. That saying is particularly true when it comes to aviation in all its forms: every hour of downtime translates into lost revenue for airlines or sunk costs for aerospace projects.
"Factor in the additional need for safety and constant supervision, and it’s clear that our product, AEROSPACE, is the ideal solution for time-critical aviation parts and components.”
Global reach with priority handling and fast transfers
AEROSPACE is being made available throughout the Qatar Airways Cargo network, ensuring global coverage with dedicated handling and prioritised loading. A specialised control tower team oversees operations, providing real-time monitoring to guarantee the smooth transit of critical AOG shipments.
Customers benefit from rapid response times, with Qatar Airways Cargo’s special loads team evaluating the loadability of aerospace equipment within 45 minutes of an inquiry.
With a fleet of 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold passenger aircraft, the carrier offers fast connections worldwide. Tail-to-tail transfers can be completed in as little as four hours, ensuring urgent shipments reach their destinations with minimal delay. For specific requirements, ad hoc charter flights can also be arranged.
Looking ahead, Qatar Airways Cargo is positioning itself as the go-to logistics provider for aerospace shipments across commercial aviation, defence and space industries.
“With our AEROSPACE product, we will be the number-one logistics expert for every type of aerospace product – whether for commercial aviation, defence and even space technologies," says Mark.
Addressing customers directly, he adds: "I can assure you already today that, thanks to our in-house advanced screening techniques and our highly-skilled loading teams, your AEROSPACE shipments are in the best of hands and will be delivered quickly and safely – utilising our bespoke transport dollies in Doha – to wherever they are urgently needed.”
Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand.
