Qatar Aviation Services Cargo, the ground handling partner for Qatar Airways Cargo, has obtained the IATA Smart Facility Operational Capacity Certification (SFOC) for its cargo facility at the Doha hub.
This makes QAS Cargo the first cargo ground handling agent in the Middle East and Africa region to receive this certification.
Alongside the recently attained IATA Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV Fresh) certification, this new certification is in line with international industry standards.
IATA certification process
The certification process involved a comprehensive audit conducted in April 2023. The audit team from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) evaluated various aspects, including the cargo handling infrastructure, equipment, and implementation of procedures at the Cargo Terminal Complex.
QAS Cargo successfully demonstrated compliance with several IATA Regulations, including the IATA Cargo Handling Manual, Dangerous Goods Regulations, Unit Load Device Regulations, Temperature Control Regulations, Live Animals Regulations, and Perishable Cargo Regulations.
Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mr. Guillaume Halleux, expressed pride in the accomplishment and emphasized the organization’s unwavering focus on customer experience.
He stated, “Our journey to become the world’s leading air cargo carrier has been a challenging one. Our teams are united in their pursuit of exceptional customer experience.”
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“Guided by our Next Generation and VISION 2027 strategy, we have implemented stringent quality procedures across all areas of our business.”
“The certification of our Doha hub underscores the high standards we maintain to ensure the seamless and secure handling of all types of cargo, while complying with IATA regulations.”
Mr. Deepak Balakrishnan, Vice President of QAS Cargo, echoed the sentiments of pride and praised the state-of-the-art handling facility, services, and dedicated teams responsible for ensuring the smooth handling of cargo, regardless of its nature.
He remarked, “Obtaining the IATA Smart Facility Operational Capacity Certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both Qatar Airways Cargo and QAS Cargo teams.”
IATA comments
Recognizing the significance of SFOC certification, Mr. Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, highlighted the added value it brings to customers.
He stated, “Customers of organizations attaining SFOC certification recognize it as a key differentiator, indicating the additional efforts taken to enhance cargo operations, safety, service quality, and overall customer experience.”
“We extend our congratulations to Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) on achieving this certification. Cargo operations serve as the backbone of the air cargo supply chain, and with SFOC, QAS is driving safe, efficient, and customer-focused operations.”
About Qatar Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, State of Qatar.
It serves a global network of more than 70 freighter destinations and over 150 passenger destinations utilising freighters and belly-hold passenger flights.
The airline’s freighter fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and one Airbus 310 freighter
It’s worth noting that both Qatar Airways Cargo and QAS Cargo have already obtained certifications for IATA CEIV Pharma, IATA CEIV Fresh, IATA CEIV Live Animals, and IATA CEIV Lithium Battery.
These certifications further reinforce their commitment to excellence and their ability to handle specialized cargo with the highest standards.
Qatar Aviation Services Cargo’s attainment of the Smart Facility Operational Capacity Certification (SFOC) is a good achievement for the organization and the region.
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