Qatar Airways, the Middle East's second largest carrier, will begin a scheduled cargo service of two weekly flights between Atlanta and the Middle East effective November 2.

    The flights operated by Boeing 777 freighters will stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Houston, Luxembourg and Doha and is estimated to generate US$12 million for Atlanta and 20 jobs.

    Mayor Kasim Reed said that Hartsfield-Jackson's location is desirable for freight forwarders for ready connection with air, road and railway systems. "This new direct trade lane enhances the metropolitan Atlanta region's global competitiveness by enabling local companies to gain increased market access to the Middle East," he said.

    Georgia was the 10th largest exporter in the United States to the Middle East in 2010 with its exports accounting for nearly US$1.4 billion, an increase of six per cent year on year and twice the amount since 2005, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

    "Qatar Airways' decision to begin air cargo service to Atlanta furthers our position as one of the world's premier logistics hubs," said Bob Pertierra, vice president of supply chain and advanced manufacturing for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

    In 2010, cargo operations at Hartsfield-Jackson increased by more than 17 per cent over 2009. The North American average for cargo growth during that period was 13.2 per cent. From January to June 2011, the airport has moved 328,930 tonnes. International and domestic cargo both increased by two per cent during the period over last year.

    Hartsfield-Jackson is undergoing $6 billion-plus in capital improvements, which include a new, energy-efficient rental car centre, a new, 12-gate international terminal, as well as aesthetic and functional upgrades to its concourses, people movers and parking services.

(source:http://www.shippingonline.cn/news/newsList.asp?page=1&classname=News)