Qatar Airways commences freighter service to Pittsburgh

The first Boeing 777 freighter of Qatar Airways Cargo’s newest U.S. destination landed in Pittsburgh International Airport on Thursday and promises twice-weekly service with 200 tons of weekly capacity.    The first Boeing 777 freighter of Qatar Airways Cargo’s newest route landed in Pittsburgh International Airport on Thursday.
   “I thank Qatar Airways Cargo for partnering with us and recognizing the demand and opportunity, here in Pittsburgh,” said Christina Cassotis, airport’s CEO, in a statement. “This global air freight connectivity positions Pittsburgh International as a logistics center for importing and exporting our region’s goods.” 
   Pittsburgh has diversified over the years beyond its traditional steel manufacturing roots to other industries, including life sciences, robotics, health care, information technology, nuclear engineering and energy. The primary products requiring air transport into and out of Pittsburgh are heavy electronics, high-value goods and pharmaceuticals, the airport authority said.
   The twice-weekly 777 flight departs Doha, Qatar on Wednesdays and Saturdays with stops at Luxembourg and Atlanta, before arriving in Pittsburgh. On the return from Pittsburgh on Thursdays and Sundays, the freighter stops at Luxembourg before arriving back at Doha. Qatar Airways Cargo’s Pittsburgh stop offers about 200 tons of cargo capacity to that airport each week.
   The United States is a key market for the airline. With the launch of Pittsburgh, the airline’s American network has grown to 17 belly and freighter destinations, out of which four are served by 777 freighters, namely Mexico City, Halifax, Quito and Pittsburgh.