With more than 1,500 aircraft operations taking place each and every day at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), it can be difficult for one particular flight to stand out from the crowd.

But on March 6, 2009, it was obvious to everyone that there was something special about the incoming Boeing 747-400 aircraft bearing the logo of Cathay Pacific Airways.

Aside from the shear bulk of the Extended Range Freighter aircraft itself, there was also the water cannon salute, the Asian-themed music playing in the background and the bright red carpet waiting for dignitaries at the bottom of the mobile set of stairs.

All of these elements combined that day to provide a perfect frame for the Houston Airport System's (HAS) latest air cargo service announcement, the arrival of Cathay Pacific Airways.

"Today is a fantastic day," said Scott Mowerr, Sr. V.P. of the Americas for Cathay Pacific. "We're proud to be expanding our network to Houston and we look forward to proving ourselves to the local community. If you work for Cathay Pacific, you feel very proud on a day like today."

And that sense of pride was most certainly felt among all parties involved. Representatives with the airline were proud to announce that cargo service between Houston and Hong Kong would now include three weekly nonstop flights and representatives with the Houston Airport System were proud to announce that a fourth Asian-based cargo operator had chosen to establish service at IAH.

"A lot of cargo around the world is slowing down substantially," said HAS Director Rick Vacar. "So we're fortunate to have an increase in service with the arrival of Cathay Pacific."

Vacar was quick to point out that IAH is not entirely immune to the recent global downturn in cargo numbers but overall, agressive planning in the recent past is undoubtedly paying dividends for HAS during the current difficult economic climate.

It was back in January of 2003 when the Houston Airport System inaugurated the IAH CargoCenter, tripling the airport's cargo capacity and expanding the cargo area to more than 880,000 square feet.