CX Cargo Launches ATL

They made it happen.
As folks celebrated launch of Cathay Pacific all-cargo service to Atlanta, and first direct air service from Georgia, USA to Hong Kong, key players in landing the flights to Atlanta were jubilant.
Pictured left to right: Stephen Wong, Cathay Pacific Vice-President Cargo, The Americas, Tom Wright, Senior Vice President, Americas, Bob Pertierra, Vice President Logistics Industry Development, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Ron Mathison, Cathay Pacific Director & General Manager Cargo, Robert Kennedy, Manager Marketing & Intergovernmental Affairs, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and Warren Jones, Aviation Development Manager, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

    On Wednesday November 15 amidst dancing dragons, roast suckling pig, a slowly melting ice sculpture and company magazine called The Clan, Cathay Pacific Cargo celebrated launching thrice weekly freighter services into Atlanta International Airport with a gala party in the beautiful Georgia Convention Center, located just off the main runways of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.
     Local civic leaders and cargo executives attended the celebration of the service, a first for Atlanta, and heard Cathay Pacific Director and General Manager Cargo Ron Mathison proclaim:
     “We see Atlanta as the capitol of the Southeastern United States.
     “While building markets between Hong Kong and the State of Georgia, we have every intention of increasing our frequencies as business permits.”
     Later as people mingled and enjoyed different Asian style cuisine, in the packed room with its deep blue art-deco stylized carpets and 100 foot ceiling, Mr. Mathison moved easily amongst attendees, chatting briefly with guests in a ritual that is being repeated as you read this, in Dallas, the second stop in Cathay’s all cargo USA service ramp up.
     “We’ve never done this type of simultaneous two city start up before.
     “We are optimistic but will keep close watch.
     “The slowdown from high cost of fuel is firmly taking hold.
     “The surprise is that it took so long, but there it is.
     “We believe that long term our plan is solid and will be borne out with results.
     “Cathay is about to take delivery as launch customer of the first Boeing B747F conversion from passenger aircraft to freighter.”
     Mr. Mathison said that the airplane, first of several that the carrier has ordered, augurs a new era of cooperation for Boeing with China, where major components of the conversion are manufactured.

Atlanta Cargo To Triple
The Atlanta Air Cargo Association (AACA) monthly meeting at the Marriott Hotel yesterday (November 15) featured some razzle-dazzle new airport building plans presented by Michael Floyd, Hartsfield –Jackson International Airport Director of Planning. michael.floyd@atlanta-airport.com.
On tap in what will be a completely new and renovated facility will be innovations aimed at assuring ATL’s position as world’s busiest airport including “moving the inside of the airport out,” to greet travelers via covered walkway entrances, new train connections and service areas, revamped color schemes, a huge new control tower and upgraded air cargo facilities.
“Right now belly cargo operations at ATL account for about half of total cargo movement here, 27% domestic & 22% international.
“All cargo or 51% of the activity (24% integrated & 27% non-integrated) will drive an annual growth at of 5.6% through 2025.
“In 2004 the airport handled about 800,000 tons.
“By 2015 that volume will increase to 1,582,000 tons with totals topping 2,437,000 tons by 2025.
“To be ready for a tripling of cargo activity, the airport is moving toward providing space for up to 52 cargo aircraft parking positions (27 currently exist) and there are plans in the works to add more than 880,000 square feet of on-airport cargo warehouse space.”
AACA set the foundation for the upcoming holiday season by making the going great for others.
This club has a lively and well-attended fund that spreads the wealth giving plenty for example in education endowments during the past fifteen years.

Can you spot the Virgin? No fooling, it’s Jerry Freeman, jerry.freeman@flyvirgin.com from Virgin Air Cargo based in Atlanta who has his hands full as United Cargo delivered some new faces to the mix at the airport. Here’s Jerry with (left) Bridget Bell, regional analyst bridget.bell @united.com and Marjorie Thompson, regional account executive Marjorie.Thompson@united.com. “It’s like being on a cruise,” Marjorie commented as the picture was snapped. “Boat drinks for everyone,” Jerry sang out.

AACA also announced special holiday help to Habitat for Humanity, The Empty Stocking Fund and others.
Pictured (L to R) celebrating the good news are: Kevin Madden, Global Airlift Services, Inc., Rachel M. Worley, Fedex Trade Networks, Brenda Rayburn, Habitat for Humanity, Donald W. Crawford, The Empty Stocking Fund and Gregory C. Brett, Georgia Southern University.

AACA Annual Christmas Party will be held for club members and guests at Marriott December 14 (globalairlift@bellsouth.net).
Club President Kevin Madden (Global Airlift) reported that all AACA educational grants including the Georgia State University Scholarship in effect since 1990, Clayton College since 1999 and Georgia Southern University are doing well and making interest while educating the next generation.