ALASKA Airlines says it has launched a US$60 million plan to improve terminals and other facilities where it operates around alaska over the next few years, including expanding its cargo presence.
The projects include upgrades and potential expansions at some of the 13 terminals owned by the airline, in some cases for the first time in decades, Marilyn Romano, the airline's vice president of the Alaska region, said in an interview, reports Anchorage Daily News.
The terminals over the years became congested at airports in towns such as Bethel, Kodiak, Nome, and Utqiagvik, as larger jets began hauling more passengers and as post-9/11 security measures took up more space.
It's all being designed around how to make this a better experience for people in these communities, Ms Romano said adding that the list of projects should be completed in 2027.
The airline has also started expanding its cargo efforts in Alaska.
Most of Alaska Air Cargo s work happens in the state, though the airline's cargo expansion includes new runs between Anchorage and Seattle, and Seattle and Los Angeles.
The cargo operations in Juneau International Airport will also be expanded, Ms Romano said.
The Juneau airport is essentially a cargo hub for several Southeast Alaska communities, and the airline s cargo facility there is aging, according to airline spokesman, Tim Thompson.
As part of the cargo improvements, the company is adding two 737-800 freighter aircraft, converted from passenger aircraft, said Mr Thompson. That will boost its cargo fleet to five jets, from the current set of three smaller 737-700 jets.
The first of the converted freighter jets started flying on May 16, Mr Thompson said. The second should be operating by the end of June. The new jets will be employed around the state.
That will basically double the capacity of what Alaska Air Cargo is able to do here in the state of Alaska, Mr Thompson said.
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The projects include upgrades and potential expansions at some of the 13 terminals owned by the airline, in some cases for the first time in decades, Marilyn Romano, the airline's vice president of the Alaska region, said in an interview, reports Anchorage Daily News.
The terminals over the years became congested at airports in towns such as Bethel, Kodiak, Nome, and Utqiagvik, as larger jets began hauling more passengers and as post-9/11 security measures took up more space.
It's all being designed around how to make this a better experience for people in these communities, Ms Romano said adding that the list of projects should be completed in 2027.
The airline has also started expanding its cargo efforts in Alaska.
Most of Alaska Air Cargo s work happens in the state, though the airline's cargo expansion includes new runs between Anchorage and Seattle, and Seattle and Los Angeles.
The cargo operations in Juneau International Airport will also be expanded, Ms Romano said.
The Juneau airport is essentially a cargo hub for several Southeast Alaska communities, and the airline s cargo facility there is aging, according to airline spokesman, Tim Thompson.
As part of the cargo improvements, the company is adding two 737-800 freighter aircraft, converted from passenger aircraft, said Mr Thompson. That will boost its cargo fleet to five jets, from the current set of three smaller 737-700 jets.
The first of the converted freighter jets started flying on May 16, Mr Thompson said. The second should be operating by the end of June. The new jets will be employed around the state.
That will basically double the capacity of what Alaska Air Cargo is able to do here in the state of Alaska, Mr Thompson said.
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