American Airlines Cargo is increasing its May schedule by 75% as demand for the transport of goods continues to ramp up.
The new schedule will provide 140 weekly flights to 15 cities in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Caribbean, up from 80 flights last week.
New destinations include daily flights between: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Hong Kong (HKG); and weekly flights from DFW and Beijing (PEK); DFW Chicago (ORD) and Paris (CDG); ORD and London Heathrow (LHR); Philadelphia (PHL) and Rome (FCO); PHL and San Juan (SJU), and PHL and Zurich (ZRH).
American said it is a key player in the 35% of world trade that moves by air cargo, carrying 2bn lbs of goods annually in the bellyhold of its passenger aircraft.
In recent times, throughout the coronavirus outbreak, American Cargo has continued to transport fresh produce, temperature-controlled drug trials for Covid-19 PPE — sometimes in the aircraft cabins, as well as in the bellyhold.
Rick Elieson, president of cargo and vice president of international operations, explained: “Air cargo is uniquely positioned to connect the world at a time when barriers and distance threaten to separate us. Why we fly hasn’t changed, but out of necessity how we care for people on life’s journey has had to change.
“Cargo-only fights have allowed us to transport medical equipment, communications and technology tools, pharmaceuticals and food supplies.”
“I’m immensely proud of our teams and business partners who have come together to make these flights possible.”
