Qatar Airways Cargo Unveils Largest Animal Centre on the Globe

Mark Drusch Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo

Yesterday, Qatar Airways Cargo celebrated the grand opening of its new Animal Centre, a groundbreaking facility sprawled across 5,260 square meters near Hamad International Airport and the Qatar Airways Aircraft Maintenance Hangar. As the premier global animal carrier, Qatar Airways Cargo solidified its dedication to animal welfare through this significant investment. The inauguration also marked the relaunch of its Next Generation Live product, establishing new standards in live animal transportation.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, emphasized the emotional dimension of animal travel, stating, “We have constructed a 5-star facility tailored to the needs of live animals, focusing not only on the physical infrastructure but also on addressing their emotional well-being during transit. Our aim is to minimize stress levels for animals, ensuring they receive unparalleled care throughout their journey.” Drusch proudly highlighted the alignment of the new Animal Centre with Qatar Airways' reputation as a 5-star airline, promising a superior experience for pets entrusted to their care.

The culmination of four and a half years of meticulous planning, the state-of-the-art facility offers round-the-clock veterinary services and advanced amenities tailored to diverse animal requirements. Featuring 140 dog kennels, 40 cat kennels, and 24 horse stables distributed across four zones with segregated airflows, the centre ensures optimal conditions for various species. Specialized areas cater to a wide range of animals, including day-old chicks, birds, fish, reptiles, and exotic species.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as sophisticated HVAC systems and multiple docks for streamlined operations, the Advanced Animal Centre can accommodate up to 47 Unit Load Device (ULD) positions, facilitating precise and careful handling of diverse animal transportation needs.

Drusch reiterated Qatar Airways Cargo's holistic approach to animal care, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for global animal welfare and ensuring operations uphold the highest standards of care and respect. This ethos drives continuous innovation and leadership in the industry.

In 2023 alone, Qatar Airways Cargo transported over 550,000 animals, including 10,000 horses, underscoring their significant role in the global animal transportation landscape.

Additionally, the Next Generation Live product introduced several enhancements, including the Kennel Calculator Tool for determining ideal kennel sizes in compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), streamlined customer service procedures, digitalized IATA LAR training for staff proficiency, and the Pet Card Service, offering personalized updates and photos of pets during transit to enhance customer experience and peace of mind.

 

Source :The peninsula