American Airlines increases weekly cargo-capacity to 5.5m pounds [2,500 tonnes] to transport critical goods between US and Buenos Aires, Dublin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Seoul and Shanghai
American Airlines is expanding its cargo-only operation this month to provide more than 2,500 tonnes of weekly capacity to transport critical goods between the US and Europe, Asia and Latin America.
In additon to life-saving medical supplies and materials to the US, including personal protective equipment and pharmaceuticals, other essential goods will include manufacturing and automotive equipment, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, mail and electronics.
“The air cargo industry plays a critical role in pulling the world together in times of crisis, and it takes all of us to get the job done,” said Rick Elieson, President of Cargo and Vice President of International Operations.
“With the expansion of American’s cargo-only flights, we have more capacity to bring critical medical supplies and protective gear to the areas that need it most. We also play a key role in transporting essential goods to keep the world’s economy moving.”
In March, the airline began operating its first cargo-only flights since 1984 between Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Frankfurt (FRA), transporting more than 350,000 pounds [160 tonnes] of medical supplies, mail for active US military, telecommunications equipment and electronics to support communities impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis around the globe.
In the coming week, American will expand its cargo-only service to multiple destinations with the addition of flights from DFW to Dublin (DUB) and Hong Kong (HKG); between New York (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR); and between Miami (MIA) and Buenos Aires (EZE).
The airline is also working toward adding cargo-only service to Shanghai (PVG) and Seoul (ICN) by the end of the month.
In addition to this service, American continues to carry cargo on all of its passenger flights. Internationally, the airline’s widebody aircraft operate 17 weekly flights, with the capacity to move almost 2 million pounds [910 tonnes] of cargo per week.
Passenger flights on widebody aircraft include daily service between DFW and LHR, MIA and LHR and three weekly flights between DFW and Tokyo Narita (NRT).
Cargo-only operation
| Origin City | Destination | Weekly | Start date | Aircraft |
| DFW | FRA | 1x weekly | March 19 | 777-300 |
| DFW | HKG | Up to 5x weekly | April 8 | 777-300 |
| JFK | LHR | 2x weekly | April 10 | 777-200 |
| DFW | DUB | 1x weekly | April 13 | 777-300 |
| MIA | EZE | Up to 7x weekly | April 13 | 777-300 |
| * | ICN | Up to 3x weekly | Mid-April | 787-9 |
| * | PVG | Up to 3x weekly | Mid-April | 787-9 |
*Origin city for ICN/PVG cargo-only flight is pending.
