American expands network in Asia with new Hong Kong and Shanghai cargo service
posted by AJOT | Jun 11 2014 at 02:57 PM | Air Cargo
American Airlines Cargo begins cargo service from Dallas/Fort Worth to Hong Kong (HKG), the world’s largest air cargo hub, and from Dallas/Fort Worth to Shanghai (PVG), the world’s third largest air cargo airport. Service departing Hong Kong begins June 13, and service departing Shanghai begins June 12.
The Hong Kong service is a first for any U.S.-based carrier, and it opens up an extensive market to customers in both South America and Asia. The non-stop service will be operated with a B777-300ER, the airline’s first use of the long-range aircraft in Asia.
The new Shanghai service will be operated with a B777-200 aircraft and will provide customers with a third gateway to and from Shanghai. Currently, American offers service between Shanghai and Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
“This is a major milestone for us,” said 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 to Central and South America.
The primary exports from Hong Kong are expected to be electronics and computer parts. The primary exports from Shanghai are expected to be electronics and mail. Machinery and equipment and manufactured goods are expected to be the primary imports into Hong Kong and Shanghai.
In Hong Kong, American will be handled by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and represented by GSA Antares International. In Shanghai, American will be handled by Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co. Ltd. (PACTL) and represented by GSA Pan Asia Express.
Daily DFW-HKG Service Schedule
AA137
• Departs DFW at 1345
• Arrives at HKG at 1805 the following day
• Begins June 11
Daly HKG-DFW Service Schedule
AA138
• Departs HKG at 1330
• Arrives at DFW at 1630
• Begins June 13
Daily DFW-PVG Service Schedule
AA127
• Departs DFW at 1055
• Arrives at PVG at 1455 the following day
• Begins June 11
Daily PVG-DFW Service Schedule
AA128
• Departs PVG at 1650
• Arrives at DFW at 1810
Begins June 12