Cathay Pacific Airways last week began twice-weekly scheduled freighter services to Portland International Airport (PDX), marking the Hong Kong-based carrier’s 18th cargo station in the Americas.
The service follows a Hong Kong (HKG)–Anchorage (ANC)–Los Angeles (LAX)–Portland (PDX)–Anchorage–Hong Kong routing and operates every Thursday and Saturday. Cathay Pacific will deploy its newest and largest freighter, the Boeing 747-8F. This route gives shippers in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States more options for moving goods to Asia by connecting through Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong hub, one of the world’s principal international airfreight gateways.
The Boeing 747-8F provides increased cargo capacity to accommodate expected high volumes of semi-finished footwear and apparel, electronics and perishables. Portland has become one of the fastest-growing e-commerce and logistics hubs in the Pacific Northwest, making additional direct freighter capacity especially valuable for exporters and distributors.
Cathay Pacific was the first Asia-Pacific carrier to take delivery of the 747-8F in 2011 and currently operates 13 of these freighters in its cargo fleet. The 747-8F incorporates advanced technologies that enhance efficiency and performance on ultra-long-haul cargo routes, helping the airline meet demand for reliable, large-volume capacity.
Bill Wyatt, executive director of the Port of Portland, noted that the new cargo link responds to demand from major regional exporters such as Nike Inc., as well as technology and agricultural companies. The additional freighter service shortens transit times and improves access to expanding Asian markets, benefiting a wide range of businesses across the region.