Number of Cargo Flights Increases at Hartsfield-Jackson

ATLANTA, Sept. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 's Airport of the Year (2010, 2009) and magazine's Award of Excellence for the best North American cargo operations in its category (2010, 2009).