American Airlines Cargo Division will open a new ramp side facility to handle its growing export business at London's Heathrow Airport.

Once the new facility is open August 8, the carrier's presence at the airport will expand greatly as it will continue to use its existing facility at Heathrow Estate to handle only American's import operations into the airport.

It will add space but more importantly it will provide ramp side access to exports, said Mark Najarian, vice president of cargo sales at American Airlines.

The move to separate operations was prompted by growth in both the import and export business, says the airline. It will allow the carrier to handle increased cargo volumes in and out of Heathrow and its warehouse teams to specialize in the specific requirements involved in handling imports and exports worldwide.

"This move reflects our commitment to providing the most convenience … for our UK customers," said Dave Brooks, president of American Airlines Cargo. "Many of our key customers and interline partners will benefit from easier access to our new … location."

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