American Airlines Cargo is further expanding its European network with the reintroduction of service to the Greece capital of Athens.

The new seasonal services that launched the week of June 7 include a Boeing 787-8 aircraft from Athens international Airport (ATH) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), as well as a Boeing 777-200 aircraft in the afternoon from ATH to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The airline previously served the city two years ago, but with smaller equipment.

“There are long-standing freight customers in Greece who have been eager to see the recommencing of services,” said Tim Isik, Managing Director Cargo Sales – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia for American Airlines Cargo. “We are delighted to be able to meet their needs with morning and afternoon flights, which will provide great connectivity for onward freight.”

Perishables form a key part of the traffic from Greece to the United States with fish, figs, cheese and olives being carried on the first flights.

Greece also provides an entry point to the American network for customers in neighboring countries, and the new services are already supporting freight forwarders from Turkey shipping textiles to the United States. American’s robust trucking network is in place to connect the ATH flights with cargo from neighboring countries.

American’s Cargo GSA in Greece is its long-standing partner Goldair.
During the month of June, American plans to operate more than 5,700 widebody flights around the world.