DFW International Airport Predicts Record Lifts For Cargo Business With Singapore Airlines’ Expansion

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TX (March 3, 2005) – Singapore Airlines Cargo, one of the world’s top international cargo carriers, added a fourth weekly flight to DFW International Airport today. Singapore Airlines Cargo’s freighters already make three stops a week at DFW, and the addition of a fourth flight marks a continuing upward trend in freight shipments between North Texas and the world. All flights are operated with the carrier’s state-of-the-art Boeing 747-400 “Mega Ark” freighters. 

The additional Singapore Airlines Cargo service is another clear indication that DFW’s international cargo business is growing at a robust pace. The Airport’s freight business with Asia rose 42 percent from 2003 to 2004, and continued a pace of significant cargo growth seen every year since 1993. Singapore Airlines Cargo is also seeing a significant growth trend at DFW, as its cargo volume rose by 36% from 2003 to 2004. Singapore Airlines Cargo began service to DFW in October 2001, just after 9/11. 

"The strength of the DFW market is really spurring a lot of growth for our business," said Joe Stornello, Manager, South Central USA, for Singapore Airlines Cargo. "DFW’s prime location in the central U.S. gives us easy access to many other major markets." 

DFW handled nearly 245,000 metric tonnes of international freight in calendar year 2004, the eleventh straight year that the Airport has seen significant growth in overseas trade shipments. 

“We are excited that Singapore Airlines Cargo is expanding their service at DFW,” said Joe Lopano, executive vice president for marketing and terminal management at DFW. “Clearly, the entire North Texas economy stands to benefit from this kind of growth, as we continue to expand our international cargo and passenger traffic and truly make the region a premiere international destination.” 

Singapore Airlines has been in the cargo business for over 50 years, consistently achieving high marks for air cargo service from independent observers. In the U.S., Singapore Airlines Cargo flights serve major transportation centers such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Singapore Airlines Cargo’s expansion gives DFW International Airport a total of 33 cargo freighter flights every week from Asia. Other carriers already flying freighters from Asian destinations to North Texas include Korean Air, China Airlines, China Cargo Airlines and EVA Air.

The majority of DFW’s cargo exports will consist largely of technology-driven consumer goods. Imports into DFW will include industrial goods, high-technology equipment and consumer electronics. 

Editors: To arrange interviews, contact Ken Capps, Vice President, Public Affairs at 972-574-8080 or kcapps@dfwairport.com.