City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Airport interim General Manager Robert Kennedy and executives from the Seoul, South Korea-based Asiana Airlines were on hand to welcome the all-cargo flight.
'Asiana Airlines is a world-class air cargo carrier,' Reed said. 'The decision by the company's executives to begin scheduled cargo service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reflects the city's position as a leading transportation and logistics hub in the Southeast.'
Air cargo continues to grow at Hartsfield-Jackson under Reed's and Kennedy's leadership. Overall air cargo increased by 22 percent during the first seven months of 2010, compared with 2009, and international cargo increased by 35 percent.
'We are excited to welcome Asiana Airlines to Hartsfield-Jackson,' Kennedy said. 'We look forward to working with this world-class airline and building upon our reputation as one of the world's leading cargo airports.'
Asiana Airlines is the 14th all-cargo airline to serve Hartsfield-Jackson and the region. Singapore Airlines Cargo began scheduled service to Atlanta in September 2009.
Asiana Airlines' four weekly cargo flights to Atlanta will create 25 jobs and have an estimated $24 million economic impact on Atlanta and the Southeast.
Hartsfield-Jackson offers a location that is geographically desirable for both cargo carriers and freight forwarders who want to expand their global networks with lower operating costs. Companies readily can connect with air, road and railway transportation systems in Atlanta.
Hartsfield-Jackson has received several awards for its cargo operations, including Air Cargo Week's Airport of the Year (2010, 2009) and Air Cargo World magazine's Award of Excellence for the best North American cargo operations in its category (2010, 2009).
