Atlas Air is relocating to a 250,000 sq ft facility at Miami International Airport (MIA) that it said will enable it to consolidate import and export operations in one purpose-built site and handle more perishables and pharmaceuticals.
The new facility, larger than its current facility, will enable Atlas to assume direct control over all warehouse functions and dedicated adjacent aircraft parking spaces, streamlining cargo handling and improving efficiency across its operations.
The facility will include a 124,000 sq ft perishable cooler warehouse – the largest on-airport cooler in North America – with direct ramp access.
The investment will enable Atlas to handle more time- and temperature-sensitive shipments such as perishables and pharmaceuticals.
Due to the facility’s location adjacent to key maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers, aircraft downtime will also be reduced, said Atlas.
The airline is the largest cargo operator at MIA, handling more than 500,000 tons of freight annually.
“As the largest freight operator at MIA, this expansion of our operations will add value to our customers globally and position us for continued success,” said Michael Steen, chief executive of Atlas Air Worldwide.
“We have unmatched network capabilities to support growing markets and the high-volume trade lanes connecting MIA and South America to Asia and Europe. Having dedicated aircraft parking, warehousing, and a world-class airside-cooler will further enable us to deliver superior services to our customers. This move reaffirms our commitment to Southeast Florida, while creating jobs in the region.”
Last year, MIA secured investment of at least $400m for the development of a vertically-focused cargo facility that will increase the airport’s total cargo capacity by at least 50% or potentially up to 2m tons annually.