Alabama's Huntsville-Panalpina hub ends year on air cargo volume high

HUNTSVILLE International Airport, with a big boost from its Panalpina hub, experienced strong cargo volumes in the fiscal year ending June 30 with cargo coming in at 204 million pounds, an 11 per cent year-on-year increase.

Despite an August passenger decline, the airport was able to offset this with an air cargo landing volume increase of 10.1 per cent in July, and rail cargo increases of 7.7 per cent in August year on year.

The airport recently opened a new industrial park road with three new tenants, a passenger security screening system and a US$5.4 million new baggage claim area to be unveiled in October supporting a "good year", said airport executive director Rick Tucker, reported Alabama's Huntsville Times.

"A lot is happening, even under some difficult economic times," Mr Tucker said, adding that its debt service remains low while its capital improvement account grew by $3.2 million.

The airport has much to thank for the hubbing of Swiss-based freight forwarder and its recent introduction of two leasing Boeing 747-8 freighters operated by Atlas Air increasing international freight further.