American strengthens its presence in Asia
02 / 03 / 2015
AMERICAN AIRLINES CARGO has launched cargo services from Dallas/Fort Worth Texas to Hong Kong and Shanghai, as part of a plan to strengthen its presence in Asia.
The non-stop Hong Kong service, the first for any US-based carrier, will be operated with a B777-300ER – the airline’s first use of its long-range aircraft in Asia, says a company statement.
A B777-200 will be used on its Shanghai service providing customers with a third gateway to and from Shanghai.
American currently offers services between Shanghai and Los Angeles and Chicago O’Hare.
“This is a major milestone for us,” says Jim Butler, president of American Airlines Cargo. “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.”
Outbound from both Hong Kong and Shanghai, American is targeting customers with traffic destined for Dallas/Fort Worth, as well as those with freight continuing on to Central and South America.
Primary exports from both cities include electronics, computer parts and mail.
Machinery and manufactured goods are expected to be the primary imports.
In Hong Kong, American will be handled by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and represented by GSA Antares International, whilst in Shanghai it will be represented by GSA Pan Asia Express. Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal (PACTL) will handle its operations there.
