The Calgary Airport Authority is pleased to announce that Cathay Pacific Cargo will introduce freighter service from Calgary to Hong Kong, adding to the burgeoning cargo network at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Over the past 15 years, the Authority has invested heavily in YYC’s cargo infrastructure, making it the cargo platform for Western Canada. The Authority is pleased that Cathay Pacific recognized and is now taking advantage of this superior cargo platform.

Cathay’s entrance into the Calgary market further solidifies YYC’s position as one of Canada’s leading transportation hubs and as a major economic driver for the city and region. A direct link to Cathay Cargo’s Hong Kong hub ensures that customers across Canada can seamlessly connect goods to anywhere in the world.

Freighter service with Cathay Pacific Cargo will begin on October 17, 2014 with scheduled service twice weekly, making YYC one of only two airports in Canada to have direct cargo service to both Europe and Asia. Cathay will operate this service with its Boeing 747-8F fleet, which will be used to transport goods and machinery, connecting Calgary, Alberta and the region the airport serves to the world.

“We are pleased that Cathay Pacific Cargo has selected YYC in order to expand its network in Canada,” said Stephan Poirier, Senior Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority. “We’re focused on developing YYC for the economic benefit of our city and region; therefore, a direct link to markets in Asia is very important to YYC’s advancement as a major international cargo hub.”

Over the past 15 years, YYC’s cargo facilities have been the fastest growing in Canada with a total of 3 million square feet of warehouse space on airport land today. The Authority has been committed to increasing operational efficiency for freighter operators by providing the necessary infrastructure for quick aircraft turnaround. The development of YYC’s cargo facilities has ensured businesses all over Western Canada can connect around the world and Cathay’s selection of YYC will allow industry to further position itself on a global scale.

“Cathay Pacific’s decision represents a vastly improved logistics connection directly from Calgary to Asia with dedicated flights into Hong Kong, utilizing Cathay’s recently completed Hong Kong Cargo Terminal and providing seamless connectivity to all of the airline’s Asian destinations,” said Bruce Graham, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “This important announcement helps us achieve our goal of having direct air links with Asia markets that will increase economic activity between our two markets and supports greater economic ties with Asia markets. We’ve worked closely with all stakeholders and in particular, The Calgary Airport Authority, the Canada China Business Council, Alberta’s Hong Kong trade office and private sector business leadership in Canada and Asia to help build an Asian air freight connection to this busy international air cargo hub.”

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Calgary Airport Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of Calgary International (YYC) and Springbank (YBW) Airports. YYC is an important economic engine for the city, region and province, generating over $6 billion per annum in economic activity.