Qatar Airways Cargo’s new Boeing 777 Freighter service touched down at Pittsburgh International Airport last Thursday – its 13th freighter destination in the Americas.

The twice-weekly freighter flight takes off from Doha on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with stops at Luxembourg and Atlanta, Georgia before arriving in Pittsburgh.

On the return from Pittsburgh on Thursdays and Sundays, the freighter stops at the cargo carrier’s European hub, Luxembourg, before arriving into Doha, Qatar. The service provides 200 tonnes of weekly capacity.

Pittsburgh is renowned for its manufacturing sector for years, but now other industries are expanding including life sciences, robotics, health care, information technology, nuclear engineering. Products transported into and out of Pittsburgh are set to be heavy electronics, high-value goods and pharmaceuticals.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker says: “It is a proud moment for us to be the first international airline to commence scheduled freighter services to Pittsburgh, bridging the air cargo gap between Americas, Europe and Asia.

“The launch of this new route strengthens our commitment to supporting the American import and export markets and offers a direct freighter connection out of Pennsylvania to Qatar Airways Cargo’s expansive global network.”

Pittsburgh International Airport chief executive officer, Christina Cassotis adds: “I thank Qatar Airways Cargo for partnering with us and recognising the demand and opportunity here in Pittsburgh.

“This global airfreight connectivity positions Pittsburgh International as a logistics center for importing and exporting our region’s goods.”

Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its footprint in the Americas with the introduction of four freighter destinations this year: Quito, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Miami.