Qatar Airways Cargo took delivery of three brand new B-777Fs on New Year’s day, as it now counts 30 freighters in its fleet, including two B-747s, 24 B-777s and four A330 freighters.

The air cargo carrier will operate these freighters on its long-haul scheduled routes and as cargo charters amidst the mammoth task of delivering vaccines.

CEO Akbar Al Baker said they are injecting much needed capacity to helping support global supply chains at a critical time during the pandemic.

“The added capacity will enable us to support the logistics around the COVID-19 vaccination which is projected to be one of the greatest logistical challenges for the industry,” Al Baker said.

Also read: Qatar Airways takes three new A350-1000s as A380s remain grounded

Boeing representative Ihssane Mounir, SVP for commercial sales and marketing, thanked the Doha-based airline for the long-standing partnership and for confidence in the 777 freighters as the backbone of their operations. More recently the cargo carrier converted six of its Boeing 777-300ERs (extended range) to operate cargo-only flights and add more capacity.

Powered by what many consider as the world’s most powerful commercial jet engine, the GE90-110B1, the Boeing 777 freighter is an efficient, long-range, and high-capacity freighter, which has a revenue payload capability of more than 102 metric tonnes.

It can fly 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 kilometers) and carry a full payload of 224,900 lbs (102,010 kilos) at general cargo market densities (more than 10 pounds per cubic foot), making it the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter.

Throughout the crisis, QR Cargo has been helping transport essential supplies, pharmaceuticals, perishables and other cargo on passenger and cargo flights.

Aside from operating more than 500 charters to affected countries, the cargo carrier coordinated with governments and NGOs to transport over 250,000 tonnes of medical and aid supplies to several regions, roughly equal to 2,500 fully loaded B-777 trips.