Qatar Cargo has continued to roll out its products targeting specific verticals, this time taking aim at the growing semiconductor market with TechLift.
The new product will utilise shock absorption technology on all ground and aircraft equipment for moving delicate semiconductor products, such as integrated circuits, chipsets, microchips, urgent semiconductor manufacturing machinery and pieces such as capital and testing equipment, doped chemicals, cutting, stripping and etching wafers.
The product also offers loading priority, the use of approved data loggers, specialised handling techniques as per commodity-specific operational guidelines and protection from adverse weather conditions.
The launch comes as the market has been growing rapidly over the last few years. In 2024, figures from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) show that global semiconductor sales hit $627.6bn, an increase of 19.1% compared to the 2023 total of $526.8bn.
Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “Nearly every aspect of modern-day life relies on semiconductors – from smartphones to data centres and cloud computing, to automotive, electric vehicles and industrial applications, and now, to an ever-increasing extent, AI and the Internet of Things.
“For all these applications to function correctly, semiconductors must be delivered in pristine condition. Their transport is best carried out by established cargo professionals, as it demands absolute precision, expertise, and highly trained staff.
“Qatar Airways Cargo has invested heavily in the latest high-tech equipment to create the best conditions for semiconductor transportation. We operate shock-absorbing 20-ft and 40 ft transport dollies in Doha, allowing us to offer a 90-minute minimum connection time and quick ramp transfer. And our extensive network enables full global reach."
In a press release, the airline said that the TechLift product could also be combined with its other services such as Q-Climate to keep temperatures at an optimum level, Q-Plus for even higher loading priority, and Q-Prime for highest priority on capacity constrained flights with the added benefit of continuous monitoring by Qatar Airways Cargo’s Control Tower.
The semiconductor market is one of the bright spots for the air cargo market, with products often required to be delicately handled and with fast transport times.
Meanwhile, Qatar Cargo has been expanding the range of products it can offer over recent years.
Last month, the airline launched a new time-critical service catering for the aerospace sector.
And last year, Qatar Cargo launched a set of solutions that can be added to existing cargo products.
