Airport Secrets: The Mind-Blowing Operation of Qatar Aviation Services

We follow Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) on how they handle operations, passengers, baggage, and aircraft at Hamad International Airport, Qatar.
At dawn, a Japan Airlines B787 had just landed. Ground handling activities started as soon as the aircraft taxied to the parking stand. This video shows how airport ground handler works with aircraft, operations, passengers and baggage. In just 2.5 hours, the B787 is ready to depart. I was sitting inside the push-back tug with the engineer to push back the 250-ton Boeing 787. QAS services more than 45 airlines at Hamad Int’l Airport.
Next, I discover the state-of-the-art baggage handling and sorting system. It is like entering a maze of tracks, all of them are handled by computers and scanners. The inbound baggage gets sorted into short-term and long-term transit. Each bag will go to its respective baggage belt through the 14 km long tracks.
Then, I visited the operational control center of Qatar Aviation Service, the supervisor explained how they keep track of everything on ground handling and respond to aircraft emergencies such as shortages of fuel and diversions. I took a deeper look at the centralized load control center to calculate and check the weight and balance of each departing aircraft.
Last, I visited the world’s largest airport service depot to see how airport vehicles and tractors are being serviced. Cobus, tugs, tractors and trucks are all periodically checked and serviced under one roof. This video shows an in-depth reveal of airport and ramp services.

[@The-Carpenter]

When we watch something like this, it should remind us that there are people behind the scenes working in extremely challenging situations (heat, rain, etc.). Therefore, it is so important to show some empathy towards the staff when things don't go right all the time. Much respect for these workers. Thank you, Sam, for this special video.

[@senthilnathanviswanathan4924]

absolutely

[@johnsarangel]

yup, the same was said by people working hard during the pandemic like nurses, doctors, food industry, etc. who were called “frontliners” and were considered heroes. they are the ones who work behind the scenes. without them, life would be miserable. funny how people forget.

[@JuelKhan-m1d]

43....

[@JuelKhan-m1d]

57....

[@Peizxcv]

Love Sam's video. No whining, no bitching, just showing us aviation from the passenger and employees' perspective

[@farmasinema]

Of course he won't bitching, how else he gained access to Qatar Airways if he's there to whine about the operation. You're so silly.

[@Peizxcv]

@@farmasinema Yes Karen, you are right as usual

[@sunnybono7578]

he is easily bribed!!!!

[@Treftrwf]

Exactly like there’s no drama like National Geographic or discovery too much drama this guy cut to the cheese

[@chairlesnicol672]

He's so mellow, he even stood by while his girlfriend ( flight attendant) got punched! ! Never whined or anything!

[@enjoypladecorrals]

The unsung heroes of an airport. Thank you for showing this. My favorite is the guy checking the oil. I dont want him to make a mistake ever😅

[@mohamedSagal]

they could make them 2 guys so that if one forget the other one remain him or her

[@confidential02]

you could see that he was very careful.

[@krystal7932]

It's impressive to think that the success of airlines relies heavily on the meticulous work of ground handling companies, ensuring every safety aspect is flawlessly executed. Kudos on delivering yet another captivating vlog, Sam!

[@defenceeagle4252]

I work for the same ground Handling staff ....

[@tapiocamango]

Sam. I want to thank you for always showing behind the scenes of the airline operation. Your excitement and positivity is unmatched. As a former cabin crew and ticket agent, there's just so much more going on than I even knew. Please fly an A350 in the next video 🙏 I love you.

[@KingShadStarSeed9]

Has anyone else noticed that Sam is the king of aviation? Bro has access that we nav geeks may only dream about. Absolutely amazing. BEST JOB EVER

[@supsnail]

I just adore how you get all this behind-the-scenes special access, it's so surreal to watch 🙃

[@ELECTRIC-t8f]

???

[@Jerry-wb7vh]

@@ELECTRIC-t8fI think it's the amount of subscribers a KZbinr has matters. As well as the quality of the videos offered.

[@Guruwalker]

I think he not asking the permission it's looks like quatar approached sam for promotion 😂

[@kovy689]

That conveyer belt scene was something.

[@supsnail]

@@Guruwalker ha true

[@jithin_zac]

The professionalism displayed by each and every one is truly mind-blowing!

[@esisolina1]

Except his toy ancient camera from... Flintstones era !

[@Ncharlop]

That JAL landing was butter !

[@JosephGonsalo]

Indians are everywhere hard working, even Sri Lankans are hardworking honest people.

[@keirra5096]

So awesome to see how the bags are sorted. The ground crew did such a good job working through the hot weather and all weather conditions.

[@BobbyKhaba]

Every minute’s of this video is mind blowing to watch…now every individual’s XYZ will also knows that behind a successful Airline we have a dedicated big team working behind assuring a safety and comfortable for the Passengers flying in the sky…Kudos Sam and team for showing dis beautiful behind the scenes…loving it

[@isadiaelvis2301]

Seeing the pushback driving wearing a Kenyan bracelet 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 excites me 💯

[@georgekinyanjui110]

❤🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🙏💪

[@franciskihu5988]

Wakenya tuko kila pahali🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@brandonso]

I'm not Kenyan but I share your excitement. I love seeing people representing their national cultures.

[@carolinemah9972]

Makes me really appreciate the baggage handlers, the ground crews from maintenance, cleaners, and all its operations do. Sam, your videos that captures all the behind scenes is so valuable! Keep up the great work!

[@williamgarrity992]

Considering what it takes to get even one aircraft on its way: the amount of people and services involved, the logistics and operations of large airports, and having to execute everything in such tight windows time and again, it really is impressive. Next time you are at an airport just consider how many employees you engage with that make it happen...from your uber driver, the parking lot shuttle drivers, to check-in staff, security, food and retail services, aircraft mechanics, baggage handlers, ground crew (and the conditions they work in), cabin crew, flight crew, and everyone on the backend when you land. And they all do that 'hundreds' of times in a shift. Truly impressive. Thanks to all that do it!

[@mubarak_yahya]

Nice watching one of our Kenyan driver🇰🇪

[@stephenkoome]

Ni mimi

[@mubarak_yahya]

@@stephenkoome Thank you for making kenya Global Na utuambie venye we can join 🥲

[@nicholasmusumbi]

​@@stephenkoomebig up

[@kamaajack]

Kudos koome

[@Stiffler123-a]

​@@stephenkoome Visa ilikaa miezi ngapi ndio itokee ju am still waiting for mine

[@twesigyeabel9265]

I attended Japan airlines that day as a turn round coordinator thanks Sam for uploading such an interesting experience.

[@goldmiranda2942]

Filipinos are very hard-working no matter what position they are in.

[@flaneurnz]

Thank you for saying that.❤

[@michaelrangit1006]

All people are hard working

[@goldmiranda2942]

@@michaelrangit1006 if you say so 😂

[@divinewind6313]

But not in their country.

[@True_Cashier130]

I like those backstage qatar videos, so much professionalism

[@SamChui]

Thank you. It wasn't easy to get these videos done without good coordination with the airport authority and ground handling team. Wish more airports open up, so I can present here with more angles.

[@V2000-t8v]

😅

[@MrBibi86]

@@SamChui I bet you they wanted to review your video before publishing

[@MotorShowByBQ]

I have worked there and I can tell you most of the workers get nothing,it's biased

[@d.b.cooper1]

@@MotorShowByBQ It's all relative compared to where they come from...I assure you if they listed 1 of those vacancy they'd get more than 1000 highly qualified applicants per role. It's great money, just look at how the remittances sent back home.

[@Offroad_76]

Truly amazing, the unseen side of the industry. These guys are really underrated. Thanks sam for showing their hard work. Also thanks for keeping my request, few years ago I asked to make such videos while you only doing Flight reviews.

[@IRENE-yb7gk]

Sam is always doing a great job in all of his aviation content. Thanks Sam. Job well done❤

[@glenhorncastle1830]

Transited via DOH (LHR - DXB) on Qatar last week and 1 of our suitcases (we had 3) never arrived DXB. Waited over 45mins at carousel, then went to DNATA desk who informed us the suitcase was still in DOH. You stated Sam that Qatar Airways would inform passenger(s) if luggage had not made the flight - unfortunately they didn't! DNATA were excellent in returning our suitcase later the following day

[@renegadeoffunk32]

One of the high times of life was when I was able to see the Siemens Baggage system at Dubai International Airport. It was something I will never forget.

[@lisal9282]

Love the behind scenes videos. Makes u appreciate the amount of work that goes in on getting a flight out. Thanks Sam.

[@genoalivio8635]

So proud to see my two KABAYAN's here working with JL & QR

[@royskidubai]

I agree. Kim at 01:17 and the 'Kuya' at 10:51 who's putting oil on the aircraft engines. Nice of him also to explain in close view the area behind the nose wheel. MABUHAY! 💖

[@Nooticus]

I have been watching your channel for a very long time and this is undoubtedly one of your best videos ever. The amount of shots you were able to get so quickly of every process is so impressive. This complexity is astounding to see. Please ignore all the comments from uneducated people who think that this has anything to do with Qatar airlines, because it doesn’t 🤦‍♂️Qatar is one of the most important flight transfer points on earth and so has extremely in depth operations

[@mangleshbhalla5846]

1 of the best aviation videos. Everyone shows in flight experience but behind the scenes, very rare. Thank you Sam.

[@sotagrowsupontheearth]

As a Japanese, I am so delighted that you featured JAL flight. Thank you Sam!

[@tunmanlee5917]

Really appreciate those who work behind pave the way for planes on and off smoothly, salute ！

[@MrBibi86]

*Airplanes are dirty even after been "cleaned" I used to think Namoi Campbell was crazy for sanitizing her whole seat area and that was before the pandemic. my friends phone fell down between the seats during a flight and waited until the plane landed and they retrieved his phone and all the crap that was under and between seats was disgusting. it's not the workers fault either, if they had more time to do a full clean. unfortunately, planes get clean the same as movie theaters in-between viewings*

[@chewzikai8468]

Only the outside layer will be cleaned

[@BirdMan-en7f]

You do realise that the reason why this happens is because right after that flight is done and the plane has landed, they already have to unload the baggage and food scraps, and like 50 minutes after, they have to load the baggage and new food for the next flight and can only clean the places where they can and have to do it quickly, plus cleaning the crap in between the seats is hard and takes longer especially to do it wth not that many people. But I do feel like they should make it be like, when the plane lands, it needs 2 hours to get ready and clean because when I was going to Darwin, my flight just got there, and they unloaded the baggage and the people got off, 30 or 20 minutes after, then we boarded. Also I bet you didn’t read all of that but if you did you get a thumbs up👍👍👍

[@mariacarino5665]

Workers do not care that much nor do they have enough resources (time being the most important) anyway. they might clean but it is just enough to comply….. Not exactly the clean we want after other people have used it. Airlines have a bottomline to look after…that is more important than cleaning (the way we want it done).

[@DailyBugle66]

And sometimes (depending on the country) the cleaners themselves have an odor that sticks to your seat.

[@MrBibi86]

@@DailyBugle66 I agree. same with some uber drivers lol

[@gilbertkirgotty]

13:46 My Kenyan brother. Proud of you. 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@manassehitegi]

Kenyan 🇰🇪😊😊😊

[@eacoincmubiru5894]

Kumbe he's Kenyan 👏👏👏👏. For a moment I thought he was from Southern Africa

[@Jakawere1]

Looked like one. As a 🇰🇪 I noticed too. We have a few of them at Qatar

[@isaacmutai2867]

Ni mluhya 😅 proud kenyan 🇰🇪

[@franciskihu5988]

Alafu msee kama huyu anafanya kwa the best airport in the world kenya hawezi pata job

[@d.b.cooper1]

These never got dull, amazing insights and always learn something new! Keep em coming Sam!

[@sydneyaerospotter5856]

Sam you missed a critical part of the ground ops. Water and waste Servicing! Very important

[@tmh4481]

Sam proved why Hamad Airport is number one in the world and won this number and deserves it.

[@HeatherLewis213]

The whole world transits through the Middle East and I am glad they have very efficiently run, modern airports from Istanbul to Dubai. Good job Qatar Airways and good job Sam.

[@jorgeabivagarcia2544]

Ground crew work is highly appreciated. Thank you for touring me around Qatar ground emvironment. 😊

[@gamewithsully4242]

13:20 i just love how they wave to you in the cockpit. man i love japan wish i could go back home some day (lived 7 and a half years)

[@emont]

Thanks Sam for spanish audio, is literally your tone in spanish !!! now my relatives are watching your videos

[@israelelisha8992]

Sam, you're a great soul, and might I say the most social Chinese person I've ever come to know.. Love your videos!

[@anassboumlik95]

The best video for ground operations so far ❤️ Thank you Sam and team 🤗 and special thanks to QAS for their outstanding performance and professionalism ✅ 👏🏻

[@kwameoffei6777]

I got to appreciate what goes on to the airport working

[@russellatwell784]

Great video Sam there is a lot of jealousy in the comments if you don’t like what you see just click off, if you look at what Sam has done from the very start of his blogs you can see it’s about promoting aviation as a whole regardless of which airline it maybe and that’s why he is lucky enough to get access and able to share his great journeys with us all. I would think there would be millions of people around the world that would love to do the same that Sam does but never had the idea or courage to take the step in starting a KZbin channel like Sam has made.

[@awildcolinappears]

As a GSE mechanic in Canada I found the shop part at the end very interesting. Thanks for this below the wing episode

[@Does_This_Look_Infected]

Big props to Qatar Airlines for giving you such access. Great video!

[@666markd]

As someone who flies alot for work but is also scared of flying I find this video very reassuring! Thanks sam

[@sanmateoflights]

unbelievable work done by these people in the Middle-East heat on that tarmac.

[@DaniElle25g]

Wow! I just love it... so many things we never think about. Best for me was how after everyone is on board, they load the pallets according to last minute weight and balance. How many times have I sat on a plane wondering why they're not leaving? "Let's GO!!!"

[@Revilok08]

thanks sam for the amazing video as usual, its always good that someone like you sheds light on what actually behind the scenes of major airports, and loads of respect as im sure alot went behind this series, cant wait for future videos!

[@aproy5256]

I’m from Japan and exited to see how Doha airport is organized and many people are working hard for JAL plane to get ready before taking off.

[@anniemarjorie3210]

My favourite area was how buggage is sorted. Woowwww ❤

[@alextucker8589]

And they even followed one-piece flow (scan bag, put on cart, and then scan cart)

[@nkesigajames3465]

Proud 👏 to be one of the team members

[@nelsonmwakanyu7474]

Thanks Sam for sharing all round operations before aircraft departs.Big up to all rampers

[@samfernandes50]

More of these behind the scenes Sam, love them and I don’t have any issues if you work for Qatar or not. Thank you

[@hamradiojim6788]

So glad you took us on this informative trip through the airport's interior, out-of-sight operations. Thanks!

[@Jakawere1]

Great work. Amazing. I have been in the industry for almost 23 years and love it. Especially the operations centre. Hey 30 mins to do the full cleanup on a wide body on a long haul flight is not a small task. Glad to see how Qatar's operations is just like most airlines'. Also happy to see the face of the world at Qatar. Good job Sam. Would love to see such a video on Singapore Airlines

[@Mkurugenziii]

Seeing a number of my Kenyan Brothers in the video. Awesome Stuff.

[@fibercomtechnologies7863]

👍👍

[@luckychan6140]

THIS IS THE REASON WHY QATAR AIRWAYS IS THE BEST AIRPORT 😊

[@janakachandrasekera39]

Load Control & Operations Control Centre are my favourite departments. Thank you Sam.

[@cliff3435]

Sam airport work is very fulfilling this post takes me back home

[@inmortal009]

the logistics behind a flight are mind blowing

[@Krishnanand2008]

Good video Sam ! Surprise to see so much ground work & hard working people involved to receive & send back any aircraft. 14 kms of baggage track, 170 buses..very informative. Appreciate your passion for Aviation & thank you for sharing the video.

[@ibello25]

Pls make more of these airport operations videos. It motivates me and I belive Avgeeks in general. Much love from nigeria 🇳🇬 ❤❤

[@josephplants3947]

You should do a video about the fires services at the airports.

[@WendellKiyoshi]

My favorite part is when Sam installed a camera on top of a bag and traveled in a 14-kilometer baggage system. It feels amazing and I then realized, it’s not only passengers experience fun on the rides - Baggages too 😂💛

[@narindersoi]

Sam, this is one of best videos I have watched for ground operations. Thanks.

[@NetITGeeks]

Verry multi-national and multi-cultural workplace!

[@MH-gh]

Another super insight video showing & explaining all the Behind the Scenes action carried out by the people who are the real hereos & should always be recognised

[@AydanAhmedSarchilKAZZAZ]

I just love how organized Qatar staff where😄😍

[@royskidubai]

During pushback you can clearly see the Captain and First Officer waving goodbye at 13:18!

[@RaulRodriguez-wr8lq]

Sam congratulations you achieve a lof on this video, you the man.

[@JPTech933]

These are the best videos, your visits Sam to what we as the public does not see when we travel. I find it fascinating and amazing at what looks to me as chaotic, is actually organized chaos!

[@ojokofoworola8908]

Thank you, Sam, for showing the world the ''realities'' of ramp life. Hoping ramp agents are more recognized and better renumerated. It would also be nice if as much manpower as deployed in the video is deployed for each and every flight.

[@deepakkalro5405]

Didn’t know so much work goes unseen behind the operation of an aircraft,thanks for sharing this Sam

[@davetv13]

Loved every minute of this one. Great job and all the behind-scenes stuff too

[@mdshoukath7892]

Iam Proud Work In Qatar Aviation Services Company ❤❤

[@PromHope]

Hello dear can I please have your contact number

[@Andezalamo]

Oh wow, that was intresting! I had no idea how things worked out behind the scenes!

[@staggtastic9951]

Sam is so funny. He reminds me of the Churchill nodding dog!!!!😂 Oh yes!!!!!🐶😂

[@falahbaloch]

Thanks Brother Sam Gr8 Work 👍 Love And Respect From Doha Qatar ✌️ 🇶🇦

[@glenncortez6330]

Working almost 10yrs with this incredible company almost staff are knew to me, because of pandemic i send home wish i could comeback again to work

[@MarcoRCArena]

Used to work on the apron, was mental! Worns you out in like 5 years but super interesting and super fun!

[@mohammedalmohsen712]

@@MarcoRCArena looks very complex. I still wonder where my bags goes when I station it in the check in/baggage area, and if barcode is missing how can you even deliver it to the passenger!

[@melvinlourdes88]

Don’t know why some people hating on these videos when it teaches people behind the scenes and all the tiny and major mechanics involving running an airline. Imagine if someone says JAL, one thing comes to mind besides timeliness and precision is probably Japan(ese) however we see people from various countries working behind the scenes doing backbreaking jobs.

[@Dutch.avgeek2024]

Wow I’m so impressed how this people do this type of job in so short time! Respect the ground crew for what they do!❤

[@snowleopard0412]

Agree with all the comments here and will add an always amazing fact ......how these workers try their best with english as the only medium in aviation ....with the added challenge of accuracy being important in EVERYTHING in these operations and despite it not being their first language :)

[@christiandelgado1589]

Your filming and editing skills are superb!

[@tonytony3895]

Your presentations are absolutely must to watch. Thank you very much and take care 😊

[@cat_bell2022]

このチャンネルでは時々 とっても貴重な動画を作成している。 今回は 飛行機に乗っているだけではわからない とても興味深いことを知る事が出来た。 飛行機が折り返す 2時間の間で機内の掃除をしていたが思った以上に隅々まで綺麗に掃除されていた。また 2時間でたくさんの荷物を降ろし、新しい荷物を積み込む のはとても大変なことだと思った、 特にドーハの空港は暑いので 大変だ働いている人たちには感謝とお礼の気持ちを伝えたい。

[@cypher686]

@6:46 That must be the first time in history that luggage wasn't flung into the container

[@simonwambatha7248]

We don't throw bugs QAS is strict you gonna be deducted

[@mitulsat]

Good video Sam... All aspects of ground handling covered except Passenger Services (Check-in Areas) and the In-Flight Catering. I know you have covered them in a separate videos already. However it would have been a full package in one video if you would have covered them in this one itself. Brought back my memories as i was once employed with SATS (Singapore Airport Terminal Services) - equivalent of QAS in Singapore.

[@mobile_pro5765]

Awesome presentation.. one of the best..well done Sam LOVE IT PLEASE DO IT AGAIN ❤

[@wizardmix]

It's incredible to see how ramps work on the large scale. I'm on the opposite end of this, a much smaller operation and many things we'll do the old way with maybe a little technology mixed in.

[@binoddulal6129]

Workshop was my favorite

[@ScottysAir]

Wow! That was so cool! You saw a lots of stuff! Like the baggage sorting system and cargo sorting systems. You know what I mean about the airlines. I watched them all the time. Thank you for sharing this! You have a great day today.

[@kaminibensingal-rj7qm]

Thanks for your valuable guidance 😸 thanks a lot 😌 excellent, Bravo, amazing, and keep it up !!!!!!

[@jimbrutan_senior]

In my experience of travel, Qatar airways is the best if not one of the best in the world's aviation industry. Fact 👌

[@sirBrouwer]

i really enjoyed to see the operational side with all the ground vehicles. I would love if you could do a video going even a bit further in to them. Like what veriations di they have. what do they use and where? Who builds them are there options. I find the ground parts at a airport even more fascinating then the flying machine it self

[@phantomopera5525]

I love the diversity, all those different accents!

[@mohammedmukthar5552]

Sam you broke my heart by not showing the refueling process of the aircraft. Sir! Next time, don't miss

[@navikaur-s6x]

Team Work Operations Really Well Managed By One And All.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@glennkennedy441]

This was fascinating from start to finish!

[@agussw8908]

Nice to know Qatar airways ground handling team smile, look like enjoy dan blessing for their job.