DFW International Airport Sets All-Time Record of International Cargo In 2006

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – February 12, 2007) – DFW International Airport announces it has set an all-time international cargo record in 2006 with 281,486 metric tonnes, a 12.9 percent increase over the previous year. The Airport also added seven new cargo flights, two new international cargo carriers, a new international cargo destination and a 400,000 square foot new cargo facility. A total of 756,598 metric tonnes of cargo crossed DFW’s airfield during 2006. DFW was further recognized by Air Cargo World as “Best Cargo Airport” and by Air Cargo News as “Cargo Airport of the Year” during the stellar year. 

“DFW has seen amazing international cargo growth over the past year and that has resulted in new jobs and development opportunities for the North Texas economy,” said Jeff Fegan, DFW’s CEO. “The Airport has established itself as the premier midcontinent destination for Asian cargo and is working hard to make inroads across European and South American markets. We see plenty of continued growth opportunities for the future.” 

The Airport added seven new weekly flights to Asia raising the Airport’s total weekly Asian-bound cargo flights to 39. Cargo tonnage to Asia topped 193,679 metric tonnes, a 21.1 percent increase from 2005. 

Among the highlights:

• Air France Cargo began new service to Paris on April 1, 2006 with one weekly 747.

• China Cargo added two weekly freighters to Shanghai to bring its total to six flights per week.

• Air China Cargo began new service to Beijing on June 17, 2006 with three weekly 747s.

• Cathay Pacific Cargo added an additional 747 to Hong Kong for a total of four flights per week.

• Singapore Airlines Cargo added an additional around the world flight for a total of three around the world and two turn flights. 

“DFW welcomed Air France Cargo and Air China Cargo this past year, capturing a new market in Europe and new depth in China,” said Joe Lopano, DFW executive vice president of marketing and terminal management. “The Airport is making a continuous effort to improve and develop its infrastructure, including the wise use of land development around the airfield. In January 2006, Trammell Crow opened a nearly 400,000 square foot state of the art facility capable of handling two Airbus 380s or three Boeing 747s. Our capacity continues to increase and international cargo businesses are taking notice.” 

Cargo growth at DFW has grown in its importance to the Airport over the past few years with total cargo tonnage growing by 13 percent since 2002, freight and integrators growing by 20 percent, international freight growing by 75 percent and Asian cargo growing by more than 119 percent. DFW continues to work to bring in new carriers and diversify its offerings to North Texas and the world. 

“Asian cargo has historically been a cornerstone of DFW's cargo business and in 2006 DFW was able to continue to grow this vitally important market,” said Bill Frainey, assistant vice president of marketing. “DFW offers so much more than other airports including seven unrestricted runways operating day and night in any weather condition, tremendous cargo warehousing, and the ability to be on the road out of North Texas in mere minutes.”