Kuehne+Nagel has begun twice-weekly cargo flights from Stuttgart, Germany to Alabama, US.

The first cargo flight, a Boeing 747-8 Freighter, arrived into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport from Stuttgart on 2 April – also the first flight from Stuttgart to the Eastern US.

Kuehne+Nagel and the Birmingham Airport Authority partnered in February “to expand [the] air cargo business in the Southeastern Corridor of the US”.

“As the number-one air freight forwarder worldwide, we are always looking for ways to contribute to the business success of our customers who trust us to manage their logistics,” said Kuehne+Nagel’s senior vice president, air logistics Greg Martin.

“Our vision is to make Birmingham into a long-term gateway to and from the Southeastern Corridor of the US and we’re pleased to be able to provide customers with alternative options that support their supply chain needs.”