December 19, 2006
Korean Air has announced it will begin twice weekly scheduled all-cargo service to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on January 25, 2007. This is the first time that a Korean scheduled airline serves the Houston market.
This new flight adds a second Asian cargo destination for Houston in just three months. The new flight’s routing is as follows: Korea’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) – Anchorage (ANC) – Atlanta (ATL) – Houston (IAH) – ANC – ICN. The flight will start with a leased 747-400F freighter aircraft. A Korean Air aircraft may be used later, depending on aircraft availability.
“This is great news for Houston’s growing air cargo industry and our Korean-American community,” said Rick Vacar, director of HAS. “We have been working with Korean Air for some time to make this new flight a reality.”
“We look forward to serving the Houston market and its growing business ties with Korea and Asia,” said Derek Han, vice president cargo Americas for Korean Air. “Houston’s dynamic business and logistics climate makes this an easy decision for us, and we expect a long and prosperous presence in Houston.”
Houston has strong economic and cultural ties to Korea. Top exports to Korea were industrial equipment and computers. Imports from Korea include electrical machinery, equipment and parts. Houston is the fastest-growing gateway for U.S. air exports (by weight) to Korea in the primary southern catchment area – those air exports that originate in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Air cargo exports from this region exceed 5,000 tons a year.
Texas is the top exporter in the nation, exporting $128.7 billion in 2005. Houston was the top exporter for Texas, exporting $46.7 billion in 2005. South Korea is one of Houston’s top trading partners, jumping three spots to the number 12 position in 2005.
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The Houston Airport System served 48 million passengers in 2005. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the nation’s 9th-busiest airport. According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is first in customer satisfaction among smaller airports in the United States. HAS annually contributes over $24 billion in positive economic impact to the Greater Houston region. For more information watch Houston Airports Today every Saturday at 9:00 am on KTBU Channel 55 or visit www.fly2houston.com | 
