(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Representatives from 18 air cargo carriers as well as key cargo industry players gathered in Anchorage recently for the Alaska International Air Cargo Summit. The summit provided a detailed overview of unique opportunities for international air cargo transfer in Alaska and how these options may benefit the carriers.

“Our international airports are a gateway for trade between North America and Asia and maximizing our air cargo opportunities is a top priority,” said Steven Hatter, Deputy Commissioner of Aviation for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. “We want to maximize the economic potential of the international airport system and increase aviation-related commerce.”

Aviation experts addressed specifics of the special cargo transfer authorities available to cargo carriers operating at Alaska’s international airports. Speakers included Robert Finamore, Office of International Aviation, U.S. Department of Transportation; Russell N. Tom, Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Professor Jianwen Tian, China Aviation Management Institute. 

“Overall, our message is that together we can make great use of the special transfer rules afforded to Alaska’s international airports under the Stevens Amendment.  We can create niche opportunities that can only be fulfilled in Alaska, making everyone more successful. We come at this from a tremendous advantage as Anchorage is ranked the second most active cargo airport in the U.S. and fifth busiest airport in the world for cargo throughput,” said John Parrott, Anchorage Airport Manager.

”A stop in Alaska by air cargo carriers provides new market opportunities for Alaska businesses,” said Daniel Patrick O’Tierney, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. “Our department works with businesses in the state to develop goods well suited for export as cargo backhaul, such as Alaska seafood.”

The Alaska International Airport System (AIAS) - comprised of Ted Stevens Anchorage and Fairbanks International Airports - is home to over 30 international and domestic airlines providing passenger and cargo service throughout Alaska, the United States, Europe, and Asia. AIAS is an extraordinary economic engine; serving nearly 6 million passengers per year and accounting for 1 in 10 jobs in Anchorage and 1 in 20 jobs in Fairbanks.  The purpose of AIAS is "To Keep Alaska Flying and Thriving."

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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