Alaska Air Cargo is expecting cargo capacity to increase by 40 per cent in the US following its merger with Virgin America.

Starting tomorrow (19 June), the belly space in 71 Airbus aircraft will be utilised to provide customers with new shipping destinations and increased frequencies throughout the Alaska Airlines network.

Before the merger Virgin America did not provide a cargo service but now customers will be able to ship products including fresh seafood, e-commerce and other time-sensitive materials.

Alaska Air Cargo managing director, Jason Berry says: “Our goal is to create a hassle-free experience for our cargo customer and with additional capacity, we are delivering on that commitment.

“With our increased transcontinental connections originating across the west coast, we will be offering more frequency and reliability. Whether you are in Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco or New York, you can count on Alaska Air Cargo to deliver.”

District manager for freight forwarding firm Lynden International, Jennifer Parker says: “I am very excited for the deployment of the Airbus fleet starting cargo service and can’t wait to see what opportunities it brings.

“The increase in capacity across the network, and especially out of San Francisco, will help us develop our business and better service our existing customers. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead.”