Almost one year to the day from its trial flight, Cathay Pacific Airways will commence freighter flights into Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport from November 22, 2016, with a weekly scheduled service subject to government approval.
It will be the only dedicated freighter service for this part of Queensland and will utilise a Boeing 747-8F.
The decision comes after an extensive evaluation of the airport operations as well as demand for air freight services from businesses in southern Queensland.
This included a successful trial flight on November 23, 2015.
Cathay Pacific Airways Southwest Pacific general manager Nelson Chin said he was thrilled to see the realisation of the efforts of many to introduce this new service.
“We were enormously encouraged by the enthusiasm and support of everyone involved in this venture,” he said.
“The combination of primary producers in the Darling Downs area exporting beef, dairy and fresh produce as well as significant mining and manufacturing businesses in southern Queensland makes it a truly dynamic part of Australia.
“China buys more of Australia’s agricultural products than any other country and we are confident our new service will provide these businesses with a competitive advantage as the benefits of the new China-Australia Free Trade Agreement increase,” he added.
The Boeing 747-8F has a cargo capacity of approximately 135,000 tonnes carrying 34 pallets on the main deck and 12 on the lower deck.
The flight will arrive into the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong at 00:45 on Wednesdays enabling fresh produce to be delivered to the markets and restaurants in China later that morning.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Jackie Trad said the announcement demonstrated the strength of Queensland’s agricultural export sector.
“This announcement is a clear endorsement of the ever-increasing export opportunities for our Queensland agricultural producers and exporters who now have a direct line to one of our region’s most lucrative markets,” she said.
“The emerging Asian middle-class is driving up demand for clean, green produce and Queensland is perfectly placed to capitalise on this demand, delivering jobs and economic growth right throughout Queensland.”
In announcing the news Wagners global chairman and airport developer John Wagner said the announcement was a coup for local producers.
“The opportunities this creates for Queensland exporters to access the world’s biggest consumer markets are unlimited,” he said.
