The Tuesday and Friday flights are expected to save transport time for cargo heading to Central and South America, as well as the southern US. Previously, most cargo going to Miami and Central and South America had to connect in New York, Chicago or Atlanta and be trucked or flown to final destinations.
The major items carried on the Seoul-Miami route are cell phones, electronic appliances, automobile spare parts, textiles and agricultural and marine products.
Korean Air is the world's number one commercial airline cargo operation, according to the International Air Transport Association, topping the chart in 2005 for two consecutive years. It has consistently been one of the world's top three freight carriers since 1993. The new service to Miami is part of the airline's efforts to maintain its top ranking in cargo operations.
Korean Air has agreements with several Central and South American airlines including Lan Cargo and Peru Air, and is looking to increase its business in Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Guatemala, Columbia, Panama and Honduras.
