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20-Aug-2014 11:31 AM

Cathay Pacific on cargo: 'there are signs that markets could now be showing signs of life'

Cathay Pacific, in the Aug-2014 edition of CX World, stated (19-Aug-2014) the cargo team "hasn't stood still during the three-year downturn in the air-freight market, seeking out new business opportunities across the globe by "chasing the freight". The company noted that the team's research pinpointed Calgary's cargo potential and is now preparing to launch a twice weekly freighter to the city, commencing 17-Oct-2014. Calgary is a hub for the oil and gas industries in Canada, with a lot of heavy equipment being shipped to Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Chilled meat shipments to Asia are also on the rise. General Manager Cargo Sales & Marketing Mark Sutch says the Calgary service will operate as a tag onto the existing JFK route that operates via Anchorage and Columbus. He explained, "CX will be the only airline to operate west-bound freighters from Calgary to the Far East and we've received very good support from Calgary Airport in making preparations for the start of operations". VP cargo Americas Fred Ruggiero said Calgary is "the place to be, when you combine the business potential with the road and rail network, plus the fantastic airport facilities and in frastructure it already has in place." The carrier also commented: "With the airfreight industry having been stagnant since April 2011 there are signs that markets could now be showing signs of life", with Mr Sutch adding: "Business on the transpacic routes has been strong and our teams are working hard to push yield up and fully capitalise on our North America in focus". He also noted: ""Getting rates back to pre-slump levels won't be easy but at least demand is looking more vibrant now." [more - original PR]

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