Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) has updated two cargo areas, located north of the main terminal, to allow for simultaneous parking for nose-load freighter operations by larger aircraft that deal with international cargo.
The expansion, which cost $23 million, comes during the busiest season for exports at SEA as millions of pounds of Pacific Northwest cherries are sent around the world.
“We are literally paving the way for current and future growth in our region,” says John Creighton, Port of Seattle commissioner. “In just the last year, we have seen a 10 percent increase in the number of very large freighters coming to Sea-Tac, showing that our investments have been right in line with industry needs and will benefit farmers and exporters across Washington State.”
In additional to increasing the size of the two cargo areas, SEA also upgraded infrastructure, such as lighting, communications and security.
“The global air cargo market is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of about 5 percent over the next 20 years,” says Tom Green, senior manager of air cargo at SEA. “These improvements will speed aircraft ground operations, reduce the amount of time aircraft are on the ramp and allow quicker turnarounds, all of which increase our competitiveness for air cargo business.”
