BAX and Qantas Freight launched the direct service between the US, Australia and New Zealand in 1996, using the BAX Toledo HUB as the main gateway. From the start, the service provided fast, weekly B747-freighter service to Sydney and Melbourne, with connections to major cities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
'We're offering a premium service without the premium price tag,' said Rick Whitaker, vice president US gateways and international services at BAX. 'The BAX Direct Downunder service is the fastest most reliable airfreight service on the USA to Australia/New Zealand route."
'It's a seamless offering and that's what makes it such a success story,' said Bruce McCaffrey, vice president of freight for the Americas at Qantas Freight. The freighter, Qantas flight QF7552, currently originates on Saturday afternoon in Toledo, and makes a stop in Hawaii. It arrives in Sydney on Monday just as the airport is opening. BAX recovers the freight within two hours for delivery to customers in the Sydney area and coordinates routing to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland and Christchurch with Qantas.
'That means Australian consignees can place an order with an American supplier late in the week, and still receive their shipment on Monday,' explained Whitaker. 'It's usually the first freighter to arrive at the airport.' Freight destined for Melbourne is currently shipped by truck, and arrives that evening. BAX and Qantas Freight also operate connections by air to Brisbane and Perth in Australia, and Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand.
The October anniversary was attended by customers, local government officials, and executives from BAX and Qantas. BAX and Qantas Freight celebrated both past successes and their plans to provide many more years of superior service to Australia.
