Governor Mike Dunleavy announced Thursday that five new Anchorage cargo airlines have started operating at Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport, which significantly boosts the local economy. Standing alongside the state’s transportation commissioner and other officials, Dunleavy highlighted Anchorage’s rank among the world’s top four busiest cargo airports and second in the United States. He added that the expanded operations would mean more revenue, jobs, and economic activity for Alaska.
Anchorage will be a major stop on the itineraries of the five new airlines: Awesome Cargo Airlines, Central Airlines of China, ASL Air Cargo, Aerologic Air Cargo, and CMA CGM Air Cargo between Asia and North America. According to Teri Lindseth, deputy director of Anchorage Airport, the extension will generate over $9 million in additional revenue annually, mostly from landing, parking, and fuel flowage fees. This is a 7% increase in the airport’s yearly earnings.
Furthermore, the airport has been actively working with cargo airlines and developers to support the development of new infrastructure. FedEx, already an existing carrier, is building a new domestic operations center and increasing its apron area to handle additional traffic, said Lindseth.
Transportation Commissioner Ryan Anderson noted that parking space for these large cargo jets is a pressing issue, given the airport’s growth. He said Anchorage International is working to add parking and make infrastructure upgrades and has set up a multidisciplinary team to speed up these projects.
However, Anchorage officials remain optimistic about the economic impact, with Dunleavy emphasizing that Alaska’s cargo industry will continue to expand, creating more opportunities for residents and strengthening Anchorage’s role in global trade.
This news story was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
