"We are very proud to be the first carrier to connect directly Texas to Italy. Our investment is based on the strong belief that the supply chain between this region and Italy, North Africa, the Middle East and India is demanding a real high quality and reliable air logistics service," said Massimo Panagia, CEO and Managing Director of Cargoitalia.
"We welcome Cargoitalia as Houston's newest air cargo airline," said Richard M. Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. "Houston's air bridge network is very extensive and it's no secret that carriers looking to maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace are interested in starting service here. Our airports offer state-of-the-art facilities and can handle any type of aircraft or cargo."
Cargoitalia's scheduled service includes an 11:30 p.m. Saturday arrival at IAH that departs early Sunday morning and a 2:00 a.m. Thursday arrival that departs three hours later.
Based out of Milan Malpensa, Cargoitalia operates with a fleet of three DC10-30F aircraft. The focus of the all-cargo carrier is to serve its primary markets in Asia and the United States.
With a cargo area that extends 880,000 square feet, IAH is the 10th largest international gateway in the United States. Last year, more than 347,000 metric tons of air cargo moved through Houston.
In 2005, total air cargo trade between Houston and Italy reached $228.3 million. Top air cargo exports to that country from Houston include industrial equipment and computers, plastics and plastic articles, optic, photographic, medical and surgical instruments. Top air cargo imports to Houston from Italy include motor vehicles and parts, metal tools, cutlery, electrical machinery, equipment and parts, and footwear, among others.
