Cathay Pacific to add fourth weekly cargo flight to Miami

A YEAR after Hong Kong's airline Cathay Pacific started sending cargo planes to Miami three times a week, it's to add a fourth trip bringing cargo from one of China's manufacturing hubs to Miami at the end of March, reports Miami Today.

Cathay is joined by China Airlines and Seoul-based Korean Air as the only Asia-based cargo shippers in bringing cargo from Asia directly into Miami International Airport.

Each trip could be carrying more cargo as Cathay prepares to take delivery of 10 new freighter. In 2009, China sent about US$3.5 billion worth of goods to the Miami customs district, according to USATradeOnline.gov, a trade database maintained by the US Census Bureau.

In its first year, Cathay brought 15,277 tons of cargo into Miami, said Chris Mangos, Miami International Airport's director of marketing.

And Cathay's addition of larger freighters to its fleet of 25 may position the airport to see even more business.

"At the moment we are on order for 10 747-800 series freighters," said Stephen Wong, vice president of cargo for Cathay's Americas operation. The planes "will be delivered to Cathay at the beginning of next year and this equipment will basically touch all North American routes."

Cathay's current freighter, the Boeing 747-400, can carry 124 tons of cargo 4,450 nautical miles, according to Boeing's website. The new freighter will be able to haul "16 per cent more revenue cargo volume than its predecessor", the site said.

Cathay's cargo haulers take off from Hong Kong and stop in Anchorage to refuel before heading to Miami, Houston, Anchorage and back to Hong Kong again.

Cargo planes coming to the US from Hong Kong are about 90 per cent full, Mr. Wong said, while going back they're at about 70 per cent full.

Flights leave Hong Kong headed for the US on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. "We are adding one more flight to Miami because of the strong demand," said Mr Wong.

(Source: www.schednet.com)