Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) have announced plans to work together to better streamline the air cargo supply chain.

The agreement between the two US airports will boost sales and marketing efforts at both facilities, with a particular emphasis on cargo.

“We are continuing to build Pittsburgh International Airport into an international logistics center and growing cargo is a key driver for that,” said Christina Cassotis, Pittsburgh International Airport CEO. “We’re excited to partner with one of the busiest cargo airports in the world as we continue to sell Pittsburgh as a convenient – and speedy – cargo destination.”

At the center of the air cargo world, Alaska’s Anchorage International Airport can be reached by 90 percent of the industrialized world within 9.5 hours. Anchorage ranked as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the world last year with more than 2.7 million tonnes of cargo passing through. ANC, which serves 28 widebody air cargo carriers, trails only Hong Kong, Memphis, Shanghai, Louisville and Seoul among cargo hubs.

“ANC provides access to major markets in Asia, North America and Latin America, and is looking to grow its air cargo network by adding new destinations. With its strategic location providing access to the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast, Pittsburgh has great potential to capture future growth,” said Jim Szczesniak, ANC airport manager.

Cargo has become a key part of Pittsburgh International Airport’s business plan as officials look to build the airport into an international logistics center, capitalizing on its abundant space and ideal geographic location. That has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, even as passenger service nationally has decreased.

The agreement will allow both airports to work together to find innovation solutions for moving airfreight faster and more efficiently by exchanging information in airport management; exploring alliances between air cargo industries; seeking co-operative marketing opportunities; and exploring passenger service from Asia.

Ultimately, airport officials hope to expand the air cargo supply chain network in North America by establishing cargo service between Pittsburgh International and Anchorage International.

In addition to its ideal size and location, PIT plans to expand its air cargo operations with a 75,000-square-foot cargo processing facility and an adjacent surface parking lot. The project will be funded through an $18.69 million BUILD grant awarded to the airport by the US Department of Transportation.