Qatar Airways Cargo has introduced its newest freighter route with non-stop services linking the airline's operational hub of Doha with Zaragoza in northern Spain.

The route is being operated every Saturday using an Airbus A300-600 freighter. The new service will capitalise on the highly important commercial and manufacturing base of Zaragoza, which is the capital of Zaragoza province.

Major industries in and around Zaragoza province include textiles, agriculture, footwear, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. With so much cargo traffic, Qatar Airways saw the huge potential in operating direct freighters into northern Spain. The return flight from Zaragoza stops in Dubai, which increases Qatar Airways' freighter services to the emirate to three-times-a-week.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the freighter arm of Doha-based Qatar Airways, currently has a freighter network of 18 destinations worldwide. Destinations from Doha include Algiers, Tunis, Amsterdam, Bahrain, Chennai, Colombo, Dhaka, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Karachi, Khartoum, Lahore, Luxembourg, Milan and Nairobi.

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline had made great strides to build up its passenger network over the past decade since its launch, and was stepping up a gear to develop the cargo side of the business.

"The volume of cargo flown by Qatar Airways has increased, due largely to the huge growth in the number of routes, aircraft and increased frequency to many destinations," he said.

"Qatar Airways is committed to growing its cargo route network further with exciting plans to introduce more cities as brand new freighters join the fleet. Zaragoza is a new route which we are extremely delighted about, tapping into the vast potential of this important part of Europe - and we look forward to building our cargo business even further."

Qatar Airways' cargo fleet includes three dedicated Airbus A300-600 freighters. The airline currently has orders for seven Boeing 777 freighters, with deliveries due to begin in 2009, further boosting the carrier's cargo business.

The passenger and cargo hub of Doha is at the crossroads of East and West, connecting the markets of Europe to the Middle East, Far East, South Asia, and Africa. Qatar Airways Cargo is experienced in handling a variety of products, including time-sensitive and perishable items.

With minimum trans-shipment times and huge warehouse facilities, the airport is well equipped as a fast and efficient cargo aviation hub delivering everything from fresh lobster and freshly cut flowers to racing cars and racehorses.

The Doha-Zaragoza freighter, QR6067, departs Doha International Airport every Saturday at 0035 hrs and arrives in Zaragoza at 0700 hrs; It (QR6068) departs Zaragoza International Airport every Saturday at 0900 hrs and arrives in Doha at 1930 hrs. - Reuters