On Friday, March 6, Cathay Pacific Airways is launching all-cargo service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) between Houston and Hong Kong -- becoming Houston’s fourth Asian-based cargo operator and the first all-cargo service to Hong Kong.

"We celebrate this new cargo service into Houston," said Houston Airport System director of aviation Rick Vacar. "Bush Intercontinental continues to be a thriving facility that is growing in cargo service despite a challenging global economy."

Once in place, Hong Kong’s largest airline will operate three weekly flights between the two destinations, utilizing its state-of-the-art Boeing 747-400 ERF Extended Range Freighter.

"Our cargo business is currently facing a big challenge due to the worldwide economic downturn," said Cathay Pacific Director of Cargo Rupert Hogg. "This makes it all the more important to seek out new markets and find ways to develop our business over the long term."

This new announcement will mark the first scheduled all-cargo service to Hong Kong from Houston and will become the fourth scheduled Asian, all cargo service operating at IAH.

Last year, more than 820 million pounds of cargo was handled at Bush Intercontinental, a 14 percent increase over the total handled five years ago.

Much of that success is due to the aggressive growth plan employed by the Houston Airport System (HAS), and the expansion of the air cargo operational area to more than 880,000 square feet – including a 500,000 square-foot warehouse and ramp capacity for up to 20 widebody aircraft.