Plans For Chinese Freight Hub Move Forward
KMOX
December 17, 2009
The regional push for a Chinese freight hub at Lambert Airport are entering a new phase.
Critical questions surrounding the development are being answered. The Chinese have plenty of stuff to haul here. But trade is a two-way street:
"This whole project will depend on being able to fill the planes going back"
Steven Johnson, with the R-C-G-A, says they now know they can.
To start, two planes a week filled with electronics, auto parts, fresh beef, he says - with good chances for growth.
And there's more news: a time-table for inking a deal.
We're shooting for fourth quarter of 2010"
And while Missouri doesn't have much experience with heavy-duty freight, Johnson says that's fine.
With the economy, the search is on for untapped - and less expensive - resources like Saint Louis.
The R-C-G-A's Steven Johnson says the Saint Louis case is strengthened by new numbers showing there's enough back-haul to make it worth the Chinese's while.
He says recession could work to our favor, too.
A lot of air cargo pulled out of the United States - and is looking for unique, and inexpensive, entry points to get back in.
