OREANDA-NEWS. Florida-based cargo carrier Western Global Airlines (WGA) launched new service from Miami International Airport on Friday, November 14, becoming the 39th all-cargo airline to serve the global gateway. Western Global is scheduled to operate four weekly international cargo flights from MIA to South America using its fleet of owned and operated Boeing MD-11 widebody freighter aircraft. WGA's inaugural Miami arrival was celebrated with a traditional water cannon salute.

The new carrier, which began operations in August, will serve the major cargo centers of South America, including Colombia. Colombia is MIA's top international trade partner by weight, with 241,000 tons of goods valued at USD 7.1 billion moving between the two markets in 2013, headlined by cut flowers. Those strong numbers directly contribute to MIA's standing as America's #1 airport for international freight, and the addition of WGA will further strengthen the Gateway of the Americas' top ranking.

"We welcome Western Global Airlines to MIA and we're excited to add another operator to our lineup of cargo carriers," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. Gonzalez. "Air trade is a huge business for MIA and a major economic driver for Miami-Dade County and Florida, with USD 68 billion worth of goods moved through MIA in 2013 alone, so this is exciting news, indeed."

Western Global Airlines' founder and CEO Jim Neff, who previously founded and owned Southern Air Inc. before selling it in 2007, said, "The driving force behind WGA is to offer the marketplace a new, large-scale, customer-oriented wet lease and charter platform focused on low cost, flexible service, and high reliability.  We are pleased to build on our extensive resources and experience to support the Miami-South America air trade as it continues to reach record levels."