DFW Airport's cargo numbers continue to multiply.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the United States' fastest-growing major air cargo gateways, and its numbers continue to multiply.

DFW plays an important role in the expansion of global trade and is the major mid-continent gateway to the world. In 2004, international cargo at DFW rose 27.6 percent, and has nearly tripled in just over a decade. Spurring DFW's international cargo growth is the Asian cargo phenomenon. Asian freighter cargo comprised approximately two-thirds of DFW's total international cargo, and increased 41.5 percent in 2004, signaling the strong ties between the Dallas-Fort Worth region and Asia. With cargo between DFW and China growing rapidly, and Asia's business environment continually thriving, Bill Frainey, assistant vice president of air service development at DFW, expects Asian cargo into DFW to get "nothing but bigger." "Six of DFW's top 10 trading points are in Asia," he says.

Foreign flag cargo at DFW has increased more than seven-fold in the last decade. DFW has a total of seven foreign flag cargo carriers, five of which are Asian carriers. China Cargo Airlines recently celebrated its one-year anniversary at DFW in February. Compared to its first full month of service in March, the carrier increased its monthly cargo load by 169 percent in December. In addition, Singapore Airlines Cargo started its fourth weekly frequency in March.

The linkages between DFW, Asia and Latin America also continue to strengthen. "Asia is definitely getting technology into Latin America with DFW--we're the connecting airport," Frainey says. In addition, perishables from Latin America are going into Asia. In order to further strengthen business relations with Asian and Latin American countries, Frainey says that DFW continuously works toward opening more opportunities for connecting these two regions.

DFW is currently in the development stages of the third phase of International Air Cargo Centre, which, along with the existing two phases, offers direct airfield access, widebody aircraft parking and more than 200 truck dock doors, all within minutes of interstate highways. DFW encompasses 18,076 acres of land, with more than two million square feet devoted to cargo warehouse space. The Airport offers 24-hour customs clearance and seven runways, resulting in fewer delays, greater volume and on-time, cost effective service. The Airport, which is home to various multinational freight forwarders, consolidators and logistics providers, is served by 18 cargo carriers.

DFW's formula for success is simple--having a strategic central location, unmatched capacity and facilities, and the ability to move cargo efficiently and quickly. Even during bad weather conditions, DFW handles more flights per hour than any other U.S. airport.

"DFW is not your typical airport; we act and think like a business, making sure our customers are receiving the services they need," Frainey says. "We keep things moving. And we do it quickly, efficiently and securely. As a result, our carriers continue to succeed and our numbers continue to grow."

For additional information about DFW International Airport, visit: www.dfwairport.com.

[GRAPHICS OMITTED]