Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Author: Mark Belko 05/23/2009
Subject Concerned: Airlines Cargo Airport
The "air silk road" to China starts with good connections.
At least that's the way Bradley D. Penrod, executive director of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, sees it.
During a 10-day trip to China, Mr. Penrod didn't convince any airlines or freight forwarders to bring their cargo through Pittsburgh, but he believes he began the bridge building that could produce results in the future.
"The intent of these meetings was introductory, to see what some of their thoughts were. It's business development. What people have to understand is that the Chinese culture is very relationship oriented. You don't just walk away with a deal after the first meeting," he said.
As part of the excursion, Mr. Penrod met one on one with representatives of about 10 airlines, including Air China, and freight forwarders involved in the cargo business. He also participated in a seminar and presentation.
The trip, coinciding with the Pittsburgh Symphony's visit to China, was part of the airport's efforts to build an ongoing cargo relationship with the country. In 2007, it signed a letter of intent to explore the feasibility of a direct link between Pittsburgh International and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport in China.
While Mr. Penrod didn't return home with any deals in hand, he believes he made inroads in raising the airport's profile with Chinese airline executives and cargo representatives.
He said some officials complained about delays in getting planes out of New York and Chicago because of congestion and asked if Pittsburgh could take diversions. The answer was yes. They also asked about potential opportunities to fly charters from Pittsburgh.
Mr. Penrod said he plans to send the airlines and freight forwarders more detailed information about the airport and the opportunities available here.
He said he sees potential for an airline flying two to three cargo trips a week out of Pittsburgh as well as opportunities for some charter business.
"Even in China, the airline business is very competitive," he said.
Accompanying Mr. Penrod was Dennis Davin, county economic development director and an airport authority board member, and Roger Cranville, who as senior vice president for the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance heads Asia business initiatives.