The Qatar Airways cargo facility at the Hamad International Airport.

Cargo operations have commenced at Hamad International Airport, HIA said yesterday.

Cargolux and Etihad Airways have moved their cargo operations from Doha International Airport (DIA) to Hamad International Airport, HIA said.

Boasting one of the most sophisticated cargo terminals in the industry, HIA is a platform for the expanding global freight business, providing seamless and efficient services to customers and cargo carriers around the world. The new cargo handling facility promises to set new standards of service and quality not only in the GCC region, but globally.

Etihad Airways began operating their freight services from HIA May 18.

Cargolux commenced operations from the new airport yesterday.

Abdulaziz al-Mass, senior manager  (Public Relations and Communications) DIA/HIA said: “Following the historic opening of the Cargo Terminal Complex at HIA with the first Qatar Airways Cargo shipment on December 1, 2013, today marks our expansion of cargo services at HIA as Etihad Airways and Cargolux commence operations for the first time. This milestone is a stepping stone in transferring all freight operations from DIA to HIA. We cannot wait for our customers to experience the new swift, convenient and efficient cargo solutions at HIA, in what will be one of the most sophisticated and largest cargo terminals in the world that will make Doha the preferred cargo hub in the region.”

Located in the midfield area, HIA’s cargo terminal will be capable of simultaneously handling 5,700 shipments and up to 1.4mn tonnes of cargo annually. Upon completion of the second terminal, capacity for processing will increase to 2.5mn tonnes of cargo making it almost the largest cargo terminal in the world. The two-floor cargo facility incorporates warehouse spaces, Automated Systems / Retrieval Systems (ARAS) mezzanine, offices and shops. The split-level facility covers 55,000 sq m, boasts 11 wide-body aircraft standing bays, 42 loading docks and 31 landside truck-loading facilities. With advanced scanning technology, it will ensure the complete safety and security of the facility, its staff and cargo.