Qatar Airways Cargo bids farewell to its Boeing 747F, A7-BGB, marking the end of an era in commercial cargo service. The airline’s strategic shift towards environmentally conscious aviation prompts this farewell after seven years of dedicated service.
Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 747F, with registration A7-BGB, completed its final commercial cargo flight on March 1, 2024, arriving in Doha from Barcelona. Having joined the fleet in 2017, the aircraft operated over 9,000 flights, accumulating more than 66,000 block hours and transporting nearly 800,000 tonnes of cargo.
In its service history, the 747F played a crucial role in transporting diverse cargo, from racing cars to pandemic-related medical supplies. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo, emphasised the airline’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Qatar Airways Cargo is set to replace the retiring 747F with Boeing’s next-generation 777-8F freighter, known for its fuel efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
The airline has a firm order for 34 Boeing 777-8Fs and plans to maintain a modern and environmentally friendly freighter fleet, aligning with industry-leading standards. The upcoming 777-8F is expected to reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions by 30 percent compared to its predecessor, the 747-8