The world’s third largest international cargo carrier plans to become a major player in three new markets: the transpacific, Australia and South America in the next nine months. This major enhancement of Qatar Airways’ network will be made possible by the growth of its fleet, which now includes nine Boeing 777F, eight Airbus 3330F and two Boeing 747F aircraft, as well as the opening of its new European hub in Luxembourg.

The strategy was revealed by Qatar Airways Chief Officer Cargo Ulrich Ogiermann at Air Cargo China 2016 in Shanghai.

The cargo carrier projects that its pure cargo fleet will grow to 22 aircraft by 2017. From July 1 of this year, Qatar Airways Cargo will double its flights into and out of Luxembourg providing better connectivity for its customers. Ogiermann also announced that Qatar Airways Cargo will add Halifax, Canada, and New York JFK to its freighter network in July 2016.

“Last year, we succeeded in becoming the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, but there are still areas we have not yet targeted to their full potential,” said Ogiermann. “In 2017, we will target areas such as transpacific, Australia and South America. Do not be surprised if you see us becoming a strong player in all these markets in the next nine months. Our expansion into these markets has been made possible thanks to our continuing fleet growth. We will receive three new aircraft by March 2017 and by the launch of our new European hub in Luxembourg.”

In a separate announcement, . Ogiermann launched QR Live, a new addition to the cargo carrier’s portfolio of air freight solutions.

“The new solution QR Live provides stress-free and comfortable transportation of horses, pets, exotic animals, and livestock from origin to the final destination,” Ogiermann explained. “In cases where transit in Doha is required, our state-of-the-art cargo terminal at Hamad International Airport has a fully-equipped live animal facility and a team of experienced ground and animal handling staff to provide round-the-clock care for live animals. We ensure the animals receive special care and treatment all the way, on the ground as well as in the air.”

The 45,000 square foot air-conditioned live animal facility at Qatar Airways Cargo’s hub in Doha is designed with special features including: large holding areas for horses, eight stalls for horses, a 24/7 dedicated expert animal health care service, a 3,200-square foot paddock, rubber pavers for soft walk area, hydraulic loading and unloading docks, and hydraulic workstations.

It is of the utmost priority that the cargo carrier ensures that the well-being of live animals is upheld during transportation in compliance with IATA’s Live Animal Regulations, Ogiermann noted. “Pets, exotic animals and livestock carried on board Qatar Airways Cargo flights transiting through the live animal facilities in Doha are provided with adequate and appropriate welfare arrangements such as temperature control, ventilation, feeding, container type, species mixing, and veterinary care,” he added.

The cargo carrier already has a dedicated equine product, offering professional care, red-carpet treatment, and world-class service for the transportation of thoroughbreds. With a modern fleet of Boeing 777, Airbus A330 and Boeing 747 freighters offering controlled temperature zones, a network of more than 150 destinations, comfortable and spacious horse stalls and seats for grooms on board the freighters, the service guarantees the care, comfort and safety of its equine guests.

The airline recently signed the United for Wildlife Transport Industry Declaration at Buckingham Palace in the presence of HRH The Duke of Cambridge and The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hague of Richmond. The declaration, which is supported by the International Air Transport Association, commits the participating airlines to increase passenger, customer, client, and staff awareness about the nature, scale, and consequences of illegal wildlife trade. It will also develop mechanisms to enable the transport sector to receive and share timely information about the transport of suspected illegal wildlife and their products, including methods of transportation, key routes, ports and other locations.