Qatar Airways Cargo relocates regional HQ to Hong Kong

Qatar Airways Cargo has relocated its regional headquarters to Hong Kong, reinforcing the city's status as a major international air cargo hub.

This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Qatar Airways Cargo and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), aimed at enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the carrier's global network and deepening bilateral cooperation in aviation development.

The signing of the MoU represents a further strengthening of the partnership between HKIA and Qatar Airways Cargo. The cargo carrier has continued to grow from strength to strength at HKIA, currently operating around 56 flights each week from HKIA and destinations across its global cargo network, utilising belly hold and freighter flights.

Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways Cargo has intended on expanding its business presence in Hong Kong by increasing flight frequency and developing new routes via Hong Kong, further reinforcing HKIA's position as the world's leading air cargo hub.

Both parties agreed to expand HKIA's global aviation network by further strengthening connectivity across Qatar Airways Cargo’s worldwide route network through Hong Kong, and to explore collaboration in areas including operational excellence and service enhancement, sustainable development, and talent development through courses offered by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy.

As more airlines are deepening their engagement at HKIA, the air cargo community will be able to capitalise on the region's substantial demand and the growth opportunities at HKIA.

Mable Chan, secretary for transport and logistics, said, “I welcome Qatar Airways Cargo to establish its regional office in Hong Kong, reflecting the airline’s strong confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub. Hong Kong and Qatar have long enjoyed a strong foundation of cooperation in aviation. The MoU signed today is of strategic significance and will elevate the partnership between the two places to a new level.”

Vivian Cheung, chief executive officer of AAHK, said, “The MoU between AAHK and Qatar Airways Cargo marks our joint commitment to enhance air services and connectivity through HKIA. The air cargo market in the region is highly competitive. We welcome the intention of Qatar Airways Cargo to expand its business presence in Hong Kong by increasing flight frequency and developing new routes via Hong Kong. We will continue to attract and work with different airlines with a view to further strengthening our connectivity and competitiveness.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Qatar Airways Cargo for more information.

Don't miss: Cathay mulls buying back HK$6.96bn stake from Qatar Airways

Back in November last year, Qatar Airways decided to divest its 9.57% stake in Cathay Pacific Airways, with Cathay mulling a repurchase of the shares valued at HK$6.96 billion (US$896 million). The Hong Kong carrier said that Qatar Airways would sell its entire holding of 643.07 million shares at HK$10.8374 per share, pending approval from Cathay’s independent shareholders.

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