When Cargoitalia, the Italian all-cargo carrier sat down to decide where in the United States it wanted to begin service, Houston was the first destination of choice.

'If you want to be competitive in the global aviation market you cannot, not have service to Houston,' said Massimo Panagia, CEO and Managing Director of Cargoitalia.

That's why, last month, the all-cargo carrier inaugurated two weekly flights between Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Milan, Italy. The airline in effect is the first Italian all-cargo carrier to operate out of Houston.

"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 Panagia.

For the Houston Airport System, the entrance of Cargoitalia to the IAH CargoCenter is a testament to the capacity and capability of its airports.

'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,' said Richard M. Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System.

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.

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.

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. (Houston Airport System)