By Karen E. Thuermer, AJOTThe Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s (PANY&NJ) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have long ranked among America’s top 10 leading gateways for cargo arriving and departing the US Northeast. In 2005, the Airports Council International in Geneva ranked JFK sixth and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) ninth in North America for total cargo handled. That year those airports handled 1,660,717 and 949,933 metric tons, respectively. At JFK, international cargo far outweighs domestic freight. In 2006, the airport handled 383,502 short tons of domestic freight, down 11% from 2005 figures; international freight handled amounted to 1,321,768 short tons, up 2.4%. EWR handles more domestic freight, 712,168 short tons for 2006, down 0.9% from 2005; international freight handled amounted to 265,177 short tons, up a significant 11.3%. Michael J. Bednarz, manager for Air Cargo Business Development at Aviation Department, PANY&NJ, reveals that 10-year regional cargo growth forecasts are 3.3% for international, 1.3% for domestic, and 2.5% overall. “In 2007, we are looking for continued growth in exports,” he says. Asia is a leading trading partner for the New York Customs District (NYCD). Inbound and outbound freight from Asia through JFK and EWR in 2006 showed China as NYCD’s leading trading partner and Japan led for exports. Three out of the top five imported goods arriving from China are fashion items (footwear, knit and woven apparel). Exports to Japan largely encompass machinery and tobacco. Total 2006 imports from China weighed in at 178.71 metric tons, an increase of 1.9% over 2005 figures; 30.53 metric tons in exports, up 5.5%. Exports to Japan increased 1.7% in 2006 to 90.97 metric tons. Imports from Japan totaled 39.00 metric tons; down 12% from 2005 tonnage. “We expect that Asia will drive the market with China and India leading the way,” Bednarz reveals. This year started off well for JFK with the inaugural service of freighter carrier Yangtze River Express Airlines commencing direct service between Shanghai and JFK on March 8, 2007. The service operates three times weekly utilizing B747-200 freighter aircraft. The carrier plans to upgrade its equipment to B747-400 aircraft in the second half of this year and possibly add a fourth frequency with another Chinese city. India is now the NYCD’s eighth largest trading partner with 51.98 metric tons handled in 2006. It ranked sixth for imports at 38.74 metric tons, and 15th for exports at 13.24 metric tons. Currently, US carrier Continental Airlines serves the Delhi market from EWR and is planning additional service to Mumbai in fourth quarter 2007. From JFK, US carrier Delta Airlines serves Mumbai. Air India serves both JFK and EWR. “As a new market entrant, Jet Airways is scheduled to begin service between Delhi and EWR in the second half of 2007 with B777-300ER passenger aircraft,” Bednarz adds. Meanwhile, solid growth is anticipated from Eastern European countries. “Russia has enormous potential for the New York/New Jersey region market,” he states. “In 2006, 40% of all Russian imports entering the United States moved through our airports. Our airports handled 45% of exports to Russia. This reinforces the fact that we have more options to offer than any other US International gateway.” In other news, Qatar Airways plans to serve the New York/New Jersey region market this summer. AirBridgeCargo (ABC), part of the Volga-Dnepr Group has expressed interest in serving the US market from Russia either late in the second half of 2007 or early in 2008. In order to maintain good service in and out of this enormous US consumer market, PANY&NJ authorities are working with the New York City Department of Transportation, New York State Department of Transportation, and New York City Economic Development Council to address and improve roadway access. “Some improvements pertaining to traffic flow, signage, and r