Edmonton International Airport and Air China Cargo announce Edmonton will be the carrier’s first scheduled freighter destination in Canada

Air China Cargo to start first Canadian scheduled freighter service Sept. 3

Edmonton, AB, 2015-7-23 — /Travel PR News/ — Local, national and international companies moving products to and from Western Canada now have a vital new link to China and the Asia-Pacific region, as Edmonton International Airport (EIA) together with Air China Cargo (ACC), today announced Edmonton will be the carrier’s first scheduled freighter destination in Canada.

China’s flag air cargo carrier, ACC, will use a high-volume-capacity Boeing 777F aircraft, serving EIA six times per week (three from Dallas and three from Shanghai). The new service will start on Sept. 3, 2015 with a Shanghai-Edmonton-Dallas-Edmonton-Shanghai routing, making this Alberta’s premier Asian cargo service. Shanghai’s Pudong Airport is also the world’s third busiest cargo hub.

“This will be the first freighter route between Mainland China and Alberta, and is a key step in connecting two economies with high-growth momentum,” says Patrick Yu, Air China Cargo Vice-President. “The market demand for direct cargo services between Asia and Canada has been growing, and our brand new route will help build important trade links between the two regions.”

“Air China Cargo’s investment in EIA greatly expands the Edmonton Metro region and Alberta’s cargo network,” says Tom Ruth, EIA President and CEO. “Our energy, manufacturing, agriculture and other industries can now ship goods more efficiently to China and the Asia-Pacific region, expanding our region’s global trade reach.”

The service will also bring many consumer goods like smart phones, tablets, audio/visual components, fashion merchandise and many other retail products to Edmonton from China.

With Asia’s ascendance as a global economic powerhouse and Asian investment in Alberta totalling over $30 billion since 2012, establishing the ACC service now will advance the Edmonton Metro region’s long-term economic prosperity.

EIA estimates that this service will generate a $31 million GDP gain per year for the region. EIA’s proximity to Nisku Business Park and Leduc Business Park will produce high-yield traffic, expanding cargo opportunities for all EIA cargo-related businesses. EIA is also situated next to and near major highways, allowing truck access to all large western Canadian cities within a 24-hour timeframe – an advantage no other major airport offers. Rosenau Transport’s facility at EIA will provide multi-modal capability for Air China Cargo shipments.

“This new cargo service is a game changer for the Edmonton Metro region,” proclaims Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. “Air China Cargo’s confidence in Edmonton, as its inaugural Canadian entry market, is underlined by our strong logistics and economic fundamentals. This service was made possible through the efforts of EIA, and both EIA and ACC were key components of our Asia mission this spring.”

Partnerships strengthen Asia-Pacific trade

EIA, City of Edmonton, Leduc County and the City of Leduc have prioritized development of trade with Asia. With the support of many partners, this service is a huge boost to developing Western Canada’s trade ties with the Asia-Pacific region.

“This new service solidifies Edmonton International Airport as a key cargo hub in Canada,” says Leduc Mayor Greg Krischke.

“This is very exciting news as the Air China Cargo service will open the gateway to our region and help Alberta firmly establish its logistic and economic roots in the global cargo market,” says Leduc County Mayor John Whaley. “Congratulations to Edmonton International Airport and Air China Cargo on your new endeavour and best wishes for long-term economic success.”

“China and the Asia-Pacific region hold tremendous opportunities for Canadian exporters,” says Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade. Businesses need a strong transportation network and reliable supply chains in order to take advantage of these opportunities, and enhanced cargo service through Edmonton International Airport will help to strengthen these links and increase trade between Canada and Asia.”

“I applaud EIA for landing such a substantial and important investment for Edmonton and the province,” says Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education. “Creating new partnerships and increasing market access are just some of the ways our province is able to support good jobs in a diverse and stable economy.  Alberta continues to be a strong and competitive place to do business and Air China Cargo’s decision to make Edmonton its first Canadian entry point demonstrates just that.”

“It is with tremendous excitement that we welcome Air China Cargo as part of our business community,” says Brad Ferguson, President and CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. ”Edmonton’s businesses are more connected now than ever before. With the establishment of Port Alberta’s Foreign Trade Zone, EIA expansion and extensive connectivity to road and rail, Edmonton is quickly building momentum as the primary logistics, transportation and service hub for Western Canada. We are delighted that Air China Cargo has chosen to take advantage of our position.”

Texas ties enhanced

The new service also substantially increases cargo capacity between Alberta and Texas, helping companies move equipment, tools and products between the two energy centres. It will be the only freighter service between Alberta and Texas. Many companies in Nisku Business Park, for example, are closely affiliated with, or divisions of, companies in the large oil and gas industrial parks of Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.

About Air China Cargo
Air China Cargo is one of the top cargo carriers in the world. Based on Air China’s global route network, Air China Cargo has 172 global destinations. In Europe, the US, Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, Air China Cargo has 1,285 global truck routes supplementing its air freighter network and airliner bellyhold network, quickly delivering cargo to every corner of the world.

About EIA cargo
EIA registered its fifth consecutive year of cargo growth in 2014, with total air cargo volume up by 25 per cent over five years. EIA has invested more than $30 million in the Cargo Village and other cargo areas, including taxiways, land servicing and equipment. EIA’s investments combined with recent investments by third-party business partners in the airport’s cargo areas total $100 million. For more information about cargo at EIA visit: www.flyeia.com/cargo

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Edmonton International Airport (EIA) together with Air China Cargo (ACC), today announced Edmonton will be the carrier’s first scheduled freighter destination in Canada.

Contact:
Chris Chodan
Senior Communications Advisor
Edmonton International Airport
780-700-3596
Email: cchodan@flyeia.com

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