DFW International Airport Announces First Non-Stop Cargo Flights To Mexico

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (March 17, 2003) – DFW enters a new era in international cargo business as Estafeta Mexicana begins twice weekly non-stop service to Mexico, including stops in Guadalajara and Mexico City.

Already a global leader in air cargo, DFW continues to enhance its preeminent position as a cargo center, linking Texas business and products to the world.

"All cargo service to Mexico is a strategic imperative of ours and we are very happy that this has been achieved," says Joe Lopano, executive vice-president of marketing at DFW. "We are also very pleased to welcome Estafeta as a very solid and reliable provider of package services for many years."

Now, NAFTA countries and nations no longer have to wait for days and even weeks to send and receive supplies by truck. The Estafeta International Cargo Carrier will reduce the time it takes to get supplies such as telecommunications equipment, integrated circuits, electronics, computers and computer parts to key markets. In addition to becoming DFW's first cargo carrier to Latin America, Estafeta gives DFW the opportunity to offer cargo connections between the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Located in San Luis, Potosi, with over 500 offices and 1,500 cargo vehicles in Mexico, Latino-owned Estafeta operates an overnight package network similar to the U.S. operations of UPS, Airborne Express and FedEx. A leader in the industry, Estafeta was established in 1979, with a staff of more than 3,000 employees, it is the only cargo freight service in Mexico serving over 400 cities.

The new service by Estafeta is expected to generate an estimated $1.4 million to the North Texas economy.

Currently, DFW has 22 international cargo flights per week, serving 10 countries and generating nearly $50 million in economic impact annually. Total air cargo trade between DFW and Mexico has been growing 8.4% per year, lead by strong export demand of North Texas products to Mexico.

To celebrate the inaugural flight, DFW will greet the Estafeta 737-200 aircraft with a "shower of affection," a tradition at the Airport.

International air cargo volumes grew 13.1% at DFW in 2002 vs. 2001, lead by strong growth in Asian freighter air cargo which was up 31.1% vs. 2001. For January 2003, international air cargo volumes were up 40.2% at DFW. Asian freighter volumes were up 25.6%.

"This dedicated freighter service allows DFW to become the pre-eminent mid- continent connection to Latin America," adds Lopano. "And in spite of economic difficulties in the airline industry, DFW International Airport continues to maintain a high rate of success in generating new, global business opportunities for the local economy."

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 2000 flights per day and serving 55 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 132 domestic and 31 international destinations worldwide.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the “Media Site” section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com