The airport's position as a world cargo hub has slipped noticeably, from second place in 1997 to 11th place last year (nationally, it's ranked fourth, behind Memphis, Anchorage and Lousiville). During the same time span, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore have gained ground. One explanation, says cargo consultant Michael Webber, is the growth of Asia as an economic hub. "Mature industries grow a lot slower than an infant industry and, in many cases, the air cargo industry in Asia is still an infant industry," Webber told the Airport Commission. "The growth is going to be in Asia." He suggested ramping up cargo operations at Ontario, which already has become a major hub for UPS. (Daily Breeze)