Businesses in Austin are to benefit from the launch of a new IAG Cargo service operating from London Heathrow. The service will become Austin’s first ever regular transatlantic service, providing a direct air link between the hi-tech Texan Hub and Europe. IAG Cargo has launched the service in part to help support the technology and pharma industries growing in Austin’s ‘Silicon Hills’, connecting these businesses to the 350 destinations on its global network. The route, IAG Cargo’s third into Texas, will be serviced by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in operation today. The aircraft has been optimized for bellyhold with air conditioning in the forward hold, making it perfect for temperature-sensitive goods. IAG Cargo will initially offer five flights a week to Austin before moving to daily flights from 3rd May. Steve Gunning, CEO at IAG Cargo commented: “Texas is increasingly proving to be a key market for us, so it makes complete sense to open up this new service in Austin. Alongside our existing operations in Dallas and Huston, this route gives businesses in the region a valuable connection to global markets through our Heathrow hub. Serviced by one of the world’s most advance aircraft, customers in the region can expect a high-quality and reliable service no matter what they are shipping.” Austin consistently takes the number one spot in Forbes’ annual list of America’s Fastest-Growing Cities; last year its economy expanded 5.8%. IAG Cargo will help support further growth while opening new export routes as businesses in the region continue on their growth trajectory. The new route will also benefit businesses operating from Mexico, providing them with an additional means of shipping goods to their global markets.