Alaska Air Cargo does first Seattle salmon season run

Cool Chain Technology Aircraft manufacturers

May 19, 2017

The season’s first shipment of fresh Copper River salmon made the 1,300-mile journey from Cordova, Alaska, to Seattle onboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 this morning – marking the start of the summer salmon grilling season.

In addition to the 22,000 pounds of fish delivered this morning, Alaska has four flights scheduled throughout the day to bring up to 77,000 pounds of Copper River salmon to market in Anchorage and the Lower 48.

Alaska Air Cargo managing director, Jason Berry says: “Alaska Airlines plays a significant role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry, which is recognised worldwide for its sustainable fishing practices.

“Our Cargo employees are working around the clock to ensure we deliver the first catch of the coveted wild Copper River salmon to market, often within 24 hours of being pulled from the water.”

Every year Alaska Air Cargo partners with the state of Alaska’s three largest seafood processors, Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Trident Seafoods and Copper River Seafoods to bring the coveted fish to Seattle and Anchorage, and points beyond.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.