Consider Facilities Needed to Retain or Attract Air Cargo Carriers

There are quite a few items that need to be considered when developing air cargo facilities. Key supporting “infrastructure” for the air cargo industry includes:

  1. Airside Facilities

    2. Appropriate airside facilities including runway length, taxiway, apron parking, navigational aids, approaches, and lighting should be in place to accommodate the aircraft being flown by the air cargo carrier. The facility needs will vary by airport based on the demands of the aircraft utilized.

  2. Road Access

    3. Good road access, including highway access, for the rapid and reliable surface transport of air cargo shipments is a critical part of the supply chain. Rail access is useful, however, for growing the overall distribution capability of a site, which generally has some spin-off benefits to air cargo.

  3. 24/7 Customs Operation

    4. Given that many cargo flights operate at night, the ability to clear customs at any time of day and any day of the week is an important factor.

  4. On-site Customs Brokers

    5. It is helpful to have customs brokers on-site at airports to expedite any problems that may arise related to international shipments.

  5. Common-use Cargo Facility

    6. Although air cargo can be handled on the cargo apron outside of the aircraft, freight forwarders and carriers prefer to use dedicated cargo facilities. Forwarders are unlikely to make the financial commitment necessary to build their own on-airport facilities, so the existence of a common-use facility can make an airport more attractive to the air cargo community.

  6. Main-deck Loader

    7. If dedicated freighters are to effectively serve a market, a main-deck loader needs to be available. These specialized pieces of ground-handling equipment facilitate the safe and efficient loading and unloading of freighter aircraft.

  7. Widebody Passenger Operation

    8. The presence of widebody passenger aircraft which can accommodate large pallets and unit load devices, is a strong supporting element for the development of cargo services. This widebody capacity provides forwarders and shippers with greater flexibility and service options. Further, belly capacity tends to be attractive from a cost perspective as it is marginally priced due to the fact that the passenger services are the primary source of revenues for these operations.

  8. Extensive Network

    9. A large number of destinations served by air carriers at an airport provide forwarders and shippers with more options for direct flights to the ultimate destinations of their shipments.

An evaluation of your airport’s facilities with an eye to air cargo needs may provide some insight about whether your airport is well-positioned to grow air cargo activities in its current condition. More detailed air cargo facility requirements and issues pertaining to layout planning can be found in ACI-NA’s Air Cargo Guide, Chapter 4, Air Cargo Facility Analysis and ACRP Report 143 Guidebook for Air Cargo Facility Planning and Development.

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