Calgary International Airport has captured international honours for its cargo operations.
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| Calgary International Airport photo |
| A Lufthansa Cargo flight arrives in Calgary, North America's cargo airport of the year. |
The airport was named Airport of the Year: North America late last month by the U.K.-based Air Cargo News at a ceremony at the Le Meridien Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Other award winners include Hong Kong (Asia), Dubai (Middle East) and Frankfurt (Europe).
“This recognition for Calgary’s airport is a reflection of the time, effort and investment that the entire air cargo and business community has put into this important air transportation sector,” said Stephan Poirier, director of cargo and logistics for the Calgary Airport Authority.
“One of the attributes that helped us win this award was our success in attracting a major cargo airline, Cargolux, to inaugurate the only all-freighter service between Canada and Europe during a year when service reductions were more common at most airports.”
Added Ray Crane, chairman of Air Cargo News: “Calgary is a fine example of an airport that has recognized the huge potential of its air cargo community through investment in facilities, equipment and expertise.
“We wanted to recognize Calgary’s outstanding commitment to the customer service they provide to the cargo community worldwide.”
The airport authority said several initiatives contributed to the Calgary airport’s growth in air cargo activity, including:
* Cargolux B747-400 weekly freighter service to Europe with plans under way for additional flights.
* Construction of three dedicated cargo aircraft parking ‘aprons’ and an investment in equipment for safer handling of large shipments.
* Construction of special animal-handling facilities and equipment.
* Investment in on-airport serviced land for cargo handling, logistics and warehousing facilities.
