Number of cargo flights increases at Hartsfield-Jackson

Carriers add flights, capacity to Atlanta

ATLANTA — Despite a tough economy, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to expand its air cargo reach and capacity. Weekly cargo flights increased by more than 40 percent from 2010 to 2011. These additional flights have an estimated economic impact of $60 million to
$72 million annually for Atlanta and the Southeast.

“More than 80 percent of U.S. consumers can be reached in a day’s trucking from Hartsfield-Jackson,” Aviation General Manager Louis Miller said. “This is a tremendous advantage for businesses looking to distribute products quickly, efficiently and inexpensively.”

Cargo carriers at Hartsfield-Jackson have added 24 flights per month in 2011. Beginning this month, Asiana Airlines will operate seven flights per week, with daily 747-400 service. The Seoul, South Korea-based airline began service in Atlanta last year with four weekly flights. Asiana has an estimated $24 million economic impact on Atlanta and the region.

Also increasing cargo capacity between Atlanta and Asia are two Singapore-based airlines, China Cargo Airlines and Singapore Airlines. This month China Cargo Airlines will double its weekly flights from three to six. Singapore Airlines added a flight this year, bringing it to four weekly flights.

Cargolux also has increased its presence and added to Hartsfield-Jackson’s European reach. The Luxembourg-based all-cargo airline now offers five weekly flights on 747-400 freighters.

In 2010, cargo operations at Hartsfield-Jackson increased by more than 17 percent over 2009. The North American average for cargo growth during that period was 13.2 percent. From January to June 2011, the Airport has moved 328,930 metric tons of cargo. International and domestic cargo both increased by 2 percent during the period over last year.

Hartsfield-Jackson offers a geographically desirable location for cargo carriers and freight forwarders that want to expand their global networks with lower operating costs. Companies readily can connect with air, road and railway transportation systems in Atlanta.

Hartsfield-Jackson has received several awards for its cargo operations, including Air Cargo Week’s Airport of the Year (2010, 2009) and Air Cargo World magazine’s Award of Excellence for the best North American cargo operations in its category (2010, 2009).

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport, serving more than 89 million passengers annually with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destinations and nearly 80 international destinations in more than 50 countries. The Airport is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, architectural engineering and construction ─ including the 2011 Global and North American Airport Efficiency Excellence Award from the Air Transport Research Society (for more information, go to www.atrsworld.org). It is undergoing $6 billion-plus in capital improvements, which include a new, energy-efficient rental car center; a new, 12-gate international terminal; and aesthetic and functional upgrades to its concourses, people movers and parking services. For more information, go to www.atlanta-airport.com. Check out the Airport’s YouTube channel by visiting www.youtube.com/AtlantaHartsfield, and become a fan on Facebook.

Contact:                
Al Snedeker
(404) 382-2364

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