Houston Airport System (HAS) and Brazil's Varig Logistics announced the start of new weekly air cargo operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the first dedicated freighter service between Houston and Brazil. Also known as Varig Log, the company adds Houston to a list of US cities served that includes Los Angeles, Miami and New York.

"Varig Log is Houston's first dedicated air cargo link to the huge Brazilian market," said Rick Vacar, HAS director. "They are here because Texas and Brazil are natural trading partners and we look forward to serving them for many years to come."

Varig Log will use a DC-10 freighter, and the company expects the needs of the oil and gas industry to drive customer demand for their service in the Houston market. From Houston, their aircraft will follow a route to Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

"The sole purpose of our initiating air cargo services at Bush Intercontinental is based on a firm commitment as well as research," said Jack Servera, Varig Log's director of sales for North America and Asia. "The state of Texas, being Brazil's strongest partner in the US, desires direct service to Brazil."

Houston City Council Member Carol Mims Galloway, Servera, Judi Copeland of the Houston Air Cargo Association and Tom Bartlett, HAS chief operating officer, attended and spoke during the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Bush Intercontinental Airport CargoCenter on Lee Road.