SWITZERLAND's Panalpina group has added a second direct cargo flight between Huntsville, Alabama and Hong Kong. The new weekly flight is designed to enhance its existing Dragon Wings express air service from Hong Kong to Huntsville, and strengthen its Brazilian Wings express service from Hong Kong via Huntsville to Sao Paulo in Brazil.

    As with its sister services, Dragon Wings and Brazilian Wings, Panalpina said in a statement that it is using Boeing 747-400 Freighter aircraft operated by Atlas Air to provide the additional flight.

    "The exclusive routing of a second flight from Hong Kong with a turnaround from Huntsville back to Hong Kong offers increased flexibility, reduced transport time and guaranteed delivery on the transpacific lane," said Matthias Frey, head of the company's own controlled network.

    "Using the Boeing 747-400F for this route enables a strong focus on temperature sensitive cargo and pharmaceuticals transport."

    In a separate development, Panalpina was awarded the 'Alabama Global Trade Award' honouring Panalpina as a successful organisation in international trade development. The award was presented by the Northern Alabama International Trade Association (NIATA).

    Rick Tucker, executive director, Huntsville International Airport, said: "We are proud to welcome the addition of the Dragon Wings service to the existing Panalpina Dixie Jet operation; marking an outbound service to our existing Hong Kong network. Our 20-year partnership with Panalpina has continued to strengthen over time, and we look forwards to many years of success well into the future."

(Source:http://www.schednet.com)