Brisbane Airport beefing up Queensland trade

October 31: From today, 60 thousand kilograms of extra weekly cargo capacity is available for Queensland exporters to land their produce and products direct into the USA market.

The first United Airlines Brisbane to San Francisco service took off today, its cargo hold packed with Queensland products fuelling employment across the state.

The first outbound flight includes 15,000 kilograms of chilled beef, as well as 1,200kg of cosmetics and 900kg of automotive parts. On the manifest for future flights; seafood, pharmaceuticals, live coral and fashions.

"Brisbane Airport is beefing up Queensland's export trade. San Francisco is a great destination to land our exports as it's a major hub and gateway for United to provide fast access across North America, South America and Europe," according to Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff. Photo 31-10-2022, 9 53 05 am

"These new services, supported by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, represent a partnership between the State Government, BAC and United Airlines that not only brings good news for the tourism and hospitality sectors, but helps our primary producers, manufacturers, and exporters right across Queensland", he said.

United Airlines executives were on hand to see the departure.

"Australia has always been a key part of United's international network, serving the country for more than 35 years. With United's strong history in Australia, we're excited to further expand our service to Brisbane. We are committed to providing our cargo customers in Australia with more flight options to the U.S. and beyond," according to Nicole Carriere, Vice President of Consumer PR, United Airlines.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the new San Francisco schedule provided an opportunity for Queensland businesses to access more export customers in more export markets.

"Every plane full of international tourists that arrives in Queensland is an opportunity for more Queensland businesses to export to customers around the world. For instance, last year just 21 tonnes of medical devices flew out of Brisbane airport, but they were worth nearly $60 million."

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said air freight was a vital component in Queensland's beef supply chain. Photo 31-10-2022, 9 31 43 am

In 2021-2022 Brisbane Airport transported 46,290 tonnes of exports, worth $1,947,290,000 to the Queensland economy.

Each Boeing Dreamliner used on the route from Brisbane to San Francisco can carry around 20,000 kilograms of freight.