Two carriers have announced changes:
AA Cargo expands China presence: American Airlines Cargo launched two belly cargo services from Dallas/Forth Worth to Shanghai and Hong Kong in June in an effort to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region. The daily Hong Kong service, the airline’s first, is operated with a 777-300ER, marking the initial American Airlines deployment of its flagship widebody to Asia. The new daily Shanghai service is operated with a B777-200 aircraft. AA Cargo will be handled by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) and represented by GSA Antares International, while in Shanghai it will be handled by Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal (PACTL) and represented by GSA Pan Asia Express. “This is a major milestone for us. Building our presence in Asia is a key component of our long-term network strategy. Including these two new routes, we’re now able to connect Asia to 68 different cities across Latin America, creating hundreds of routes where shipments can start and end their journeys,” said Jim Butler, president of American Airlines Cargo.
IAG Cargo expanded its Cargo Connector service in the US to include Houston and Seattle: Using the service, freight forwarders can choose to have IAG Cargo collect and courier consignments of less than 300 kilos direct from their premises to the airport, at no additional cost, with freight screening arranged as required. Cargo Connector, is now available at seven US airports: Houston and Seattle, plus New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta; as well as at IAG Cargo’s UK hub at London Heathrow.