CANADA's legalisation of cannabis is providing Edmonton International Airport with a big boost in air cargo volume, reports London's Loadstar
CANADA's legalisation of cannabis is providing Edmonton International Airport with a big boost in air cargo volume, reports London's Loadstar. Aurora Cannabis, one of the biggest cannabis distribution hub, established an 800,000-square foot production facility at the airport, with most of its output leaving by air.
The new cannabis plant can turn out over 100,000 kilogrammes a year, which makes it the world's largest cannabis production facility.
After 110 per cent growth in cargo volumes last year, Edmonton airport appears on track for another year of growing cargo throughput. Much of this is due to cargo charters from AirBridgeCargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines, but e-commerce has been another driver.
But rather than supplying recreational users in Canada, it is sending most of its output overseas, responding to rapidly growing demand for medical grade cannabis.
The company is now building a second facility at the airport, adding 400,000 square foot to its footprint to serve as its global distribution centre.
The cannabis market has also drawn other business. The airport recently signed an agreement with Plant Box, a China-based producer of LED lighting systems designed for indoor plant growth.
Alex Lowe, the airport's manager of cargo business development, said: 'The Canadian recreational market may have been the initial impetus, but international medical business is more of a focus for them.'
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