Qatar Airways successfully commenced full operations at its new world-class gateway Hamad International Airport (HIA) last week after a seamless transition from Doha International Airport.
Hundreds of hours of careful preparation meant that the thousands of pieces of equipment were all successfully transferred to HIA allowing Qatar Airways’ first commercial aircraft, QR1113 from Bahrain, to land on time
at 9:10am on May 27.
“The successful start of Qatar Airways operations at HIA last week was the result of years of planning and meticulous preparation,” said Akbar al-Baker, chief executive officer, Qatar Airways.
“This is a proud moment in the rich history of Qatar Airways, as we will now be able to exceed our passengers’ expectations, both in the air and on the ground.
“It is an amazing achievement to move the entire Qatar Airways operations from one airport to another in less than eight hours. A special airside corridor had to be created, to allow for a swift transition between the two airports and to ensure security compliance. And thousands of pieces of heavy equipment needed to be moved, some of them as heavy as 70 tonnes each. All of this could not have succeeded without an exceptional level of co-operation between Qatar Airways, DIA and HIA airport operations, Customs and the Ministry of Interior.”
A total of 2,400 ground service equipment (GSE) items were moved by Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT) and Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) with 1,150 items being self-driven, and remaining 1,250 items being transported by contracted forwarding company, Panalpina.
A total of 56 cranes with a loading capacity of 50 to 200 tonnes, as well as 40 forklifts and 80 trailers had to be used for loading and unloading the heaviest, widest and tallest GSE equipment including a 70-tonne pushback tractor, Main Deck Loaders, high
loaders and tractors.
These core items needed careful transportation, particularly the tallest piece of equipment, the 5.65m passenger steps, and the Pushback and Main Deck Loaders which were the widest pieces of equipment at almost 5m.
Passengers now travelling via Qatar Airways at HIA are able to take advantage of the many new services available at the airport, from the open Wi-Fi to the play areas for children, the multiple quiet areas in which they can relax, and the amazing array of shopping and eating options.
With more than 70 retail outlets offering an unprecedented selection of designer labels, high street fashion, electronics, gourmet foods and much more, Qatar Duty Free at HIA also has more than 30 cafes and restaurants with a sumptuous selection of global and local cuisine.
All passengers travelling via HIA are advised to arrive three hours before their flight, with check-in closing one hour before departure for Economy Class, and 45 minutes before departure for first and business Class.
E-Gates are already operational in both the departures and arrivals areas, offering holders of an e-Gate Card a swift journey through the new airport.
“Helpful HIA staff will also be readily available to assist at information desks and throughout the airport,” airport operator Qatar Airways said in a release.