George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is raking in the awards already this year ranking number one in excellence among North American airports handling 499,000 tons or less of air cargo shipments annually, according to a global survey conducted by Air Cargo World. This survey found that IAH is the premier aviation facility in the world based on the ratings submitted by various users of the IAH CargoCenter. Air Cargo World is one of the most widely read air cargo industry publications in the world. Each year, the publication asks its readers to evaluate the air cargo facilities of various airports across the globe.

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This is the fourth consecutive year in which Bush Intercontinental has been selected as the number one airport in the world for air cargo operations.

Airports were divided into sub-categories based on annual tonnage and then rated on performance, value, facilities and operations.

More than 387,000 metric tons of air cargo passed through Houston’s airports in 2007, and IAH wooed three new Asian all-cargo carriers. Total air cargo shipments to and from Houston, last year, increased by 5.4 percent, in comparison to the same timeframe in 2006.

International air cargo traffic grew by 3.5 percent over the course of the same twelve months ending a record setting year.

The steady increase in cargo loads is a major highlight for IAH which is gaining a stronger reputation as a global gateway for business.

Bush Airport offers one of the largest and newest cargo facilities in the country.

The IAH Cargo Center spans more than 120 acres and more than 550,000 square feet of space for cargo operators. Parking is available for 20 wide-body freighter aircraft. The facility also features a one-stop-shop for the federal inspection services of cargo, including a full service inspection facility for quick certification of foreign animals, plants and seeds.

More than 900 freight forwarders currently use the services of the IAH Cargo Center.

In addition IAH is in discussions to open a new perishables facility, slated to bring some additional $10 million worth of business to the region.

IAH was judged according to how it handled claims, solved problems, offered prompt and courteous customer service, presented a professional and knowledgeable sales force, fulfilled promises and contractual agreements and maintained dependable transit times.

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