First China-Hub Flight Occurs at Lambert Airport

While some have scoffed at the notion of importing Chinese goods into the U.S. Midwest through St. Louis' airport, others have seen financial opportunities in it.

Corrie Hendrix, marketing coordinator of St. Louis County Economic Council made this announcement Friday afternoon:

Inaugural flight of the Midwest-China Hub Initiative Lands, Begins Weekly Service to St. Louis.
 
The Midwest-China Hub is no longer chatter of good news on the horizon; it is a literal plane full of great news arriving today. Today, China Eastern lands its inaugural cargo flight at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

And today, the Gateway City initiates its own St. Louis-China air cargo hub.
 
“The Midwest-China Hub has the potential to transform our economy and that of the entire Midwest,” said St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley. “New industry, greater export potential and an influx of new jobs are not only the result of this bold initiative, but exactly what this region needs.”
 
The consistent St. Louis-Chinese cargo flights are the start of a larger initiative that is redefining St. Louis in the global marketplace. It will essentially connect businesses with new consumers, which offer endless possibilities for local businesses to expand markets and ultimately jobs. 

Although a day of celebration, officials agree that this first flight is just the beginning. "Years of conversations with the Chinese are realized today," St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay said. "One flight a week does not make an international cargo hub, but this is an important first step."
 
Some of the Midwestern-made products returning to China include: advanced manufactured goods, high-end electronics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. These are the products in high demand in one of the fastest growing markets in the world.
 
“After years of cultivating a big idea, we now have a real plane landing with real cargo,” said Mike Jones, chairman of Midwest-China Hub. “Next, we must energize our ability to export. More cargo means more flights, and more flights mean more jobs.”
 
Among many next steps is supporting local companies as they forge international relationships and generate the necessary export backhaul. World Trade Center St. Louis is doing the groundwork to identify, guide and prepare new Missouri exporters so they, too, can take advantage of some of the fastest growing export markets.
 
"Today’s accomplishment—the landing of the first flight—is the realization of years of hard work to establish two-way trade with the Chinese," said Tim Nowak, executive director of the World Trade Center St. Louis. “They are flying a full 777 air freighter direct from Shanghai, and that’s the way we intend to return it—packed with products made locally.”
 
The Commission's partners include: MO Department of Economic Development, St. Louis County, City of St. Louis and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, MO Chamber of Commerce and Industry, St. Louis County Economic Council, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), St. Charles County and Partners for Progress, MO Department of Transportation, Civic Progress, MO Partnership, and World Trade Center St. Louis.

Editor's Note:  More information can be found at www.slcec.com and chendrix@slcec.com