Doha: Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Airways have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance the State of Qatar's competitiveness as a global aviation and logistics hub.
According to Qatar News Agency, the partnership aims to drive economic growth by establishing an aviation cluster in the Ras bu Fontas free zone to support the maintenance and expansion of Qatar Airways' growing fleet. The agreement was signed by HE CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer during a ceremony attended by senior officials and key representatives from Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors.
The agreement outlines a phased plan beginning with an official Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) in Ras Bu Fontas Free Zone, followed by additional specialized technical sites. It also includes a customs-free corridor connecting the free zone to Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port. Qatar Airways will extend corporate and cargo privileges to QFZ tenants and invite its partners and suppliers, including international companies in the aviation sector, to set up operations in the free zones.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani stated, "This strategic agreement with Qatar Airways demonstrates our commitment to positioning Qatar's free zones as a leading hub for logistics and aviation services." He added that the partnership aims to attract more companies to establish supply chain hubs and maintenance, repair, and operations services in Qatar, contributing to economic growth in line with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, expressed delight in the agreement, emphasizing the establishment of top-tier facilities and the cultivation of local expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). He noted that the partnership supports the growth of Qatar Airways' expanding fleet and enables the delivery of world-class services to airlines across the region and beyond.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors, offering far-reaching benefits for businesses operating within Qatar Free Zones. Both Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Airways are committed to enhancing Qatar's business environment to solidify the State of Qatar's reputation as a destination of choice for investors.