Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) saw a 7.38% increase in cargo tonnage in the first half of 2020 and a 14.5% increase in the second quarter compared to the second quarter of last year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced ANC’s prominence in air cargo. So far, more than 1.5 million tons of cargo have moved through ANC this year. “ANC continues to be a bright spot in the Alaskan economy,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “We’re grateful to the many Alaskans that are on the front lines at ANC, ensuring critical PPE and other goods make their way to the hospitals that are so important at a time like this, to the businesses that are struggling to keep their doors open, and to the doorsteps of consumers across the globe.”
A record setting 900,000 tons of cargo came through ANC this quarter. Compare that to the next highest quarter on record of 824,000 tons in the fourth quarter of 2017.
“The decimation of trans-Pacific passenger traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has displaced literally hundreds of thousands of tons of air cargo that used to fly in the bellies of passenger planes,” said Airport Manager Jim Szczesniak. “ANC is the center of the air cargo world and perfectly situated to capture the increased demand for air freighters. Our air cargo partners recognize the economic benefits and efficiencies that ANC has to offer.”
ANC’s widebody freighter traffic has increased nearly 9% this year with an average weekly increase of 26.75% since the beginning of April. ANC was also named a finalist by Asia Cargo News for Best Air Cargo Airport in North America.
“The ANC team works very hard to provide a safe and efficient environment for our airline partners. We’re grateful our hard work is being recognized by being nominated for this prestigious award,” Szczesniak said.
