Doha-based Qatar Airways launched nonstop Doha-Boston service, using its new A350-900, an aircraft that the airline does not intend to fly with an empty stomach; Qatar Airways Cargo expects the new route to transport 150 tons of cargo between the two cities each week, with paying customers on each deck.
With service to Doha ex Boston, one of the New England city’s most prized delicacies, fresh lobster, will gain access to Qatar Airways’ global network. According to the airline, nearly 90 tons of lobster will make the journey between Boston and Doha each week. Ulrich Ogiermann, Qatar Airways’ chief officer, cargo, cited strong demand for fresh seafood through Asia, adding that most of the lobsters will end up in “major Asian markets, including Hanoi, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Singapore, Yangon, Hong Kong and Seoul.”
In order to keep the lobsters comfortable during their long journey, Qatar Airways Cargo will employ its “QR Fresh airfreight service” to maintain optimal temperature levels from point to point.
Although the airline expects cargo exports to outweigh imports on the new route, Qatar Airways estimated that 40 tons of cargo will fly on the belly of its A350 into Boston each week. Ogiermann said he is hopeful the new route served by the A350 will “facilitate trade and generate new business growth opportunities in Boston and around the world.”