ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mayor Kasim Reed and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials today announced that Air France-KLM Cargo and Martinair Cargo plans to begin scheduled air cargo service into Atlanta on March 27, in addition to existing passenger service.
Air France Cargo will operate the flights; Air France-KLM Cargo and Martinair Cargo will provide sales and customer service.
"I am pleased that Air France is choosing to grow its cargo business in Atlanta," Reed said. "Air France's decision to begin all-cargo air service into Atlanta furthers our position as one of the world's premier logistics hubs. Air cargo is important to Atlanta and the southeastern United States, and it is critical to our continued growth and success as a city and a region."
Air France Cargo plans to have twice-weekly service, with an estimated annual economic impact of $8 million to $12 million on metro Atlanta and the Southeast. Six jobs will be created.
Air France Cargo previously had service at the Airport from 1997 to 2009. The Boeing 747 freighter will fly direct from Paris to Atlanta.
"We are very pleased to welcome Air France freighters back to Atlanta after an absence of three years," said Alain Pagès, vice president–sales USA. "These new flights are made possible through our close working relationship with Delta Cargo and will offer our customers in the southeast U.S.A. greater access to our global array of products and services."
Air France-KLM passenger flights, Delta Air Lines' trans-Atlantic flights and Alitalia's flights from the United States operate in close coordination as part of the North Atlantic Joint Venture (NAJV).
Between 2010 and 2011, total international air cargo flights at Hartsfield-Jackson increased by 40 percent. Nine of the top 10 global cargo airlines provide service to and from Atlanta.
Atlanta offers a geographically desirable location for cargo carriers and freight forwarders that want to expand their global networks with lower operating costs. Companies readily can connect with air, road and railway transportation systems in Atlanta.
In October, the Airport will host the 50thanniversary of The International Air Cargo Association International Air Cargo Forum and Exposition.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world's busiest airport, serving more than 92 million passengers annually with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destinations and nearly 80 international destinations in more than 50 countries. The Airport is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, architectural engineering and construction ─ including the 2011 Global and North American Airport Efficiency Excellence Award from the Air Transport Research Society (for more information, go to www.atrsworld.org). It is undergoing $6 billion-plus in capital improvements, which include a new, energy-efficient rental car center; a new, 12-gate international terminal; and aesthetic and functional upgrades to its concourses, people movers and parking services. For more information, go to www.atlanta-airport.com. Check out the Airport's YouTube channel by visiting www.youtube.com/AtlantaHartsfield, and become a fan on Facebook.
Contact:
Katena Carvajales
404-382-2319
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