Anchorage Airport Cargo Boom

Anchorage airport’s cargo business is going to new heights as the pandemic continues to increase supply chain challenges, especially in the shipping portion of the chain. Shippers are transitioning from container ships to any available moving method, like air cargo. As a result, the airport has moved up one spot and is now considered the fourth-busiest cargo hub globally.

The airport in Anchorage, called Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, is named after the man who secured trade exemptions for Anchorage. The exemptions allow shipments that land in Alaska, and will be transferred to the lower 48 states via multiple planes, are not subject to federal regulations.

Historically, Anchorage is a refueling stop for most carriers that pass through. Having the freedom to transfer cargo between planes and carriers has increased the efficiency of the airport’s operations. However, it hasn’t been until recently that the air carriers and developers have utilized the efficiency of the process.

It isn’t unique for Anchorage to see an uptick in overall cargo shipments, but the rate of increase via air cargo is. With domestic and global challenges that aren’t likely to be overcome soon, we will have to see if volume levels return to normal after the pandemic. One concern is that Baby Boomers are just retiring instead of working during a pandemic, which could affect the supply chain even longer with labor shortages among dockers, truckers, and other trades involved in the process.

Alaska Air Forwarding is a full-service Alaska freight forwarder serving industries and businesses throughout North America. We have a network of 500 partner agents throughout the United States and globally and can ship your product from the lower 48 to Alaska through Anchorage. We use commercial, passenger, and all-cargo air carriers as well as charter aircraft, depending on your freight shipping needs. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.