DFW: a global air cargo hub. (Special Advertising Feature: Focus On).

With growing cargo service to Latin America and strong connections to Asian markets, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a strategically-located, highly efficient air transportation hub. "We've become a natural point for technology transiting between continents," says Bill Frainey, director, cargo and trade development. "Speed, efficiency, cost control and customer service are our key advantages, along with our central location in North America."

DFW's international cargo grew 13 percent in 2002, reaching 177,867 U.S. tons. "Given the global economic situation, that's impressive growth," says Frainey. "Cargo is one of the shining stars at the Airport."

DFW now serves 19 Latin American destinations, including 15 in Mexico and Central America and four in South America.

In March, Estafeta, Mexico's largest all-cargo airline, introduced 737-200 freighter service to Mexico City and Guadalajara from DFW. "This really strengthens our linkages between Asia and Latin America, especially in the technology sector," says Frainey. "We offer a more efficient, lower-cost option for suppliers and forwarders."

Each week, DFW is served by approximately 20 widebody freighters from Asia, including flights with Korean Airlines, EVA, China Airlines (Taiwan), and Singapore Airlines. In addition, FedEx provides service to Tokyo and Subic Bay (Philippines), while Lufthansa offers direct flights to Germany.

"The Asian carriers have realized they no longer have to go through a traditional U.S. gateway to reach their markets in the Americas," Frainey says. "With Texas' many technology companies, and our connections to Latin America, DFW is a natural point for manufacturing shipments."

DFW has embarked on a U.S.$2.6 billion expansion that includes a consolidated international terminal, a bi-directional automated people mover system, a new Grand Hyatt Hotel, additional parking facilities and airfield improvements. For instance, the Airport's four north-south parallel runways are being lengthened for fully loaded aircraft headed for global destinations, and more taxiways are under construction to keep aircraft rolling smoothly on the ground.

DFW's growing International Air Cargo Centre now includes two warehouses with 400,000 square feet of space, and parking for eight widebody freighters. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer on a third cargo warehouse with 137,500 square feet and another four aircraft spaces. In addition, a three-building logistics center is being constructed in the International Air Cargo Centre. "This will be an ideal logistics center for freight forwarders, government agencies and anyone else who wants to be close to the cargo action," Frainey says.

For perishable cargos, DFW has installed a state-of-the-art methyl bromide fumigation facility. "This is a 'best practices center,' operated in a controlled and environmentally-friendly manner," Frainey says. "We have two licensed private operators there to provide cost competition and better serve the market."

Based on a six-year trend, DFW's cargo to Latin America has been growing at an annual rate of 29 percent, including strong increases in shipments to Mexico, Chile and Brazil. "We want to broaden our network to Latin America, including Brazil," Frainey says. "With a strategic location and efficient operations, DEW is the ideal air cargo hub."

For more information, visit www.dfwairport.com.