Cathay Pacific Cargo Launches IAH-HKG Freighter Flights

The Houston Airport System celebrated Friday the inaugural flight of Cathay Pacific Cargo at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The thrice weekly all-cargo service from Houston to Hong Kong operates on Cathay Pacific Cargo's Boeing 747-400 ERF.

"Especially during a tough economy, we appreciate this new growth at Bush Intercontinental," said Rick Vacar, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System. "We realize this is a bold move by Cathay Pacific Cargo in this economic environment, and it demonstrates the strength of Houston as an outstanding cargo market within the Americas."

Cathay Pacific Cargo operates the Hong Kong-Anchorage-Miami-Houston-Anchorage-Hong Kong route. Cargo loaded in Houston includes oil and gas equipment, industrial machinery and high-tech components. Shippers will then distribute the freight through Hong Kong to Houston's key trading partners in Singapore, Japan, India, China and Australia.

"We are bringing a very strong suite of cargo products to the local marketplace," said Scott Mowrer, senior vice president, Americas, for Cathay Pacific Airways. "Coupled with the strength of our Hong Kong hub and extensive route network throughout Asia, we're going to be a pretty compelling option for shippers throughout the greater Houston area."

"It's exciting to welcome our twelfth freighter operator," said Vacar. "The risk we assumed when expanding our cargo facilities at Bush Intercontinental years ago is now paying great dividends with the landing of new cargo service in Houston."

By investing $3.1 billion in airport infrastructure from 1999 to 2004, including a $180 million air cargo distribution center, Houston attracts global carriers -- Cathay Pacific is the fourth Asian-based airline since 2006.

"We are very fortunate to have plenty of space to grow here in Houston and we still are able to expand our Cargo Center," adds Vacar. "It's our flexibility to accommodate growth that results in new carriers recognizing Houston's strategic location and fast-growing cargo market."

The cargo operation features advanced computer technology, which helps US Customs clear cargo while it's still in the air. The Cargo Center offers 550,000 square feet of warehousing and ramp capacity for 20 widebody aircraft.

Houston is the nation's fourth largest exporter overall and the tenth largest air cargo exporter. Houston's airport handled more than 372,000 metric tons of air freight in 2008.

FMI: www.fly2houston.com/, www.cathaypacificcargo.com