HOUSTON — The growing international cargo operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport took another step forward on July 14, 2019, when CAL Cargo Airlines began its newly scheduled service into Houston.

“We have found that Bush Airport market and surrounding area, with its focus on the oil and gas industry, auto parts, medical equipment as well as the high-tech industry, aligns with our group strategy,” said Offer Gilboa, CAL Cargo Airlines Chairman. “By adding Bush Airport to our current state-side network of highly desirable locations — including JFK International in New York and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta — we will greatly benefit our expansion efforts in the U.S. We are also excited to offer greater connectivity via our main hub, located in Liege. Through our global network which includes Ben Gurion Airport, Larnaca International Airport as well as Oslo Airport we can provide immediate accessibility to all of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.”

This is the latest step in the continued growth of the cargo operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. In 2018, Bush Airport for the first time saw more than 500,000 metric tons of cargo moved through the operation.

“The addition of CAL Cargo Airlines new scheduled service is yet another step fostering future growth in cargo operations at Bush Airport,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz.  “Houston Airports remains committed to developing and improving connectivity, and new scheduled service offerings such as CAL Cargo Airlines’ help expand available options to diverse regions, and furthers our mission of connecting the people, business, cultures, and economies of the world to Houston.”

CAL Cargo Airlines is part of the Challenge Group and its affiliated businesses, which also includes ACE Belgium Freighters, the recently launched Belgian AOC, LACHS (ground handling agent/operational center of gravity located in Liege, Belgium) and Challenge Air Cargo (ACE Belgium Freighters’ commercial arm/GSA).

The Challenge Group operates four- B747-400 freighters and specializes in door-to-door solutions for unique and complex shipments including time/temperature-sensitive cargo such as pharmaceutical and healthcare products, live animals, non-standard size shipments, dangerous goods, perishables, valuables and engines.

The Challenge Group services include scheduled routes to JFK, Atlanta, Mexico City, Ben Gurion, Oslo, Liege and Larnaca International, as well as ad-hoc and charter missions.