Mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions or technical issues discovered during scheduled maintenance, can all result in an aircraft having to remain grounded (Aircraft on Ground – AOG) until the necessary parts are sourced and repairs have been completed. AOG requirements are increasing and changing, given that international travel and cargo demand is on the rise, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) service providers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are becoming more globalised, and national aerospace industries are growing at a rapid pace.
To meet these market requirements, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, Qatar Airways Cargo, has now launched a leading edge new product, designed based on customer feedback, offering a tailored time-critical logistics solution to manufacturers, freight forwarders and partners working with commercial airlines, as well as those serving the defence and space technology sectors. AEROSPACE is unique in that it not only provides fast transport for traditional AOG commodities (commercial aircraft engines and spares), but also for all kinds of other critical aerospace parts and components such as avionics, electric propulsion equipment, airframe interiors, landing gears, and much more.
Qatar Airways Cargo, renowned for its exceptional care and unparalleled service, goes above and beyond to ensure safe and secure transport. It is the only air cargo carrier to introduce bespoke, shock absorbing 20-ft and 40-ft engine transport dollies at its hub in Doha, capable of carrying up to 20,000kg, ensuring smooth ground operations and protection of high value and critical aerospace equipment and products. The air cargo carrier also excels in floating loading technique for engines which further serves to minimise ground time and expedite aircraft turnaround.
“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,” says Mark Drusch, Qatar Airways Chief Officer Cargo. “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.”
AEROSPACE is available across the entire Qatar Airways Cargo network, and comes with the highest loading priority, a dedicated handling team and Control Tower support to ensure the rapid processing and seamless transportation of crucial AOG shipments. Its dedicated special loads team will respond to customer enquiries on the loadability of aerospace equipment within just 45 minutes.
Qatar Airways Cargo’s extensive global network, 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold passenger aircraft offer fast connections, with tail-to-tail transfers in as little as 4 hours. Where required, adhoc charter operations can be arranged.
“With our AEROSPACE product, we will be the number one logistics expert for every type of Aerospace product – whether it is for commercial aviation, defence, even space technologies,” Mark Drusch details. “I can assure you already today that, thanks to our inhouse 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.”
