International freight was also down 4.4 percent at rival BWI, to 29 million pounds. Dulles lost its lone international freighter a couple of years ago when Air France pulled out but the airport hopes to regain all-cargo service to complement expanding passenger services to Europe, Asia, South America and even Africa. At BWI, domestic freight shot up 21 percent last year, to 391 million pounds. The airport projects freight to continue growing an average of 6.6 percent through 2005. Domestic freight at Dulles was up a more modest 2.7 percent to 428 million pounds.
Domestic cargo is also on the rise across the Carolinas as they attract new high-tech businesses.
Charlotte was down 6.8 percent to 180,748 tonnes in 1998, but nearby airports are seeing growth as express carriers step up their presence. Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro handled 225 million pounds in 1998, a 3 percent increase over 1997, according to Executive Director Ted Johnson. Traffic is expected to more than triple by 2002, when Federal Express opens a regional hub at the airport, which is halfway between the booming Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham areas. Raleigh-Durham International Airport withdrew its bid for the new FedEx hub early last year because of strong community opposition. The airport has since turned its attention to passenger growth but, with its high-tech Research Triangle, it still believes cargo may be in its future.