DFW International Airport has joined with Groupe ADP - Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) to develop air cargo strategies that can potentially influence the movement of goods between Texas and Europe, and more specifically between the two airports. An agreement signed by the airports brings two global cargo hubs together to expand growth opportunities in several key industries including pharmaceuticals such as cancer medication, perishables, luxury goods like Louis Vuitton purses, and other time-sensitive, high-value products.
The DFW-CDG agreement comes just months after DFW led a trade mission to Europe, further strengthening the trans-Atlantic relationship that is a critical component of the $6 billion in annual trade between Texas and France. In September, Air France announced its return to DFW with seasonal service starting in Spring 2019, providing a second non-stop flight between DFW and CDG. In 2017, DFW enhanced its cargo capabilities with a significant investment in a cold chain facility, opening the Airport to handle temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, a critical component in the distribution of medicines. The cold chain facility also enables the transfer of other temperature-sensitive goods, including food and flowers.
John Ackerman, DFW’s executive vice president of Global Strategy and Development, signed the agreement with his French counterpart Marc Houalla, executive director Paris CDG Airport, Groupe ADP, at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum in Toronto. Board Member Madeleine Johnson and vice president of Airline Relations, Milton De La Paz also were in attendance.