Alaska Air Cargo announced various upgrades in its operations — particularly new technology and capacity expansion — as the carrier gears for future growth.
Adam Drouhard, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo, said in the summer-fall 2023 the carrier is updating its systems that power its entire cargo network — from booking to intake to tracking to delivery — its first back office upgrade in more than 15 years.
"Our new iCargo technology will also create safer and simpler operational processes in our facilities, improving the way we move your freight," he said, adding that this streamlined cargo system would make doing business easier and improve the tracking of shipments and provide enhanced visibility into the status of cargo.
The new system will be fully operational in Q4.
Two new freighters to boost capacity
Alaska Air Cargo is also adding two new freighters to increase its fleet capacity.
Drouhard noted that the first new freighter is expected in the summer, with the second freighter set for delivery by the end of the year.
"This year, we are essentially doubling the capacity of our freighter fleet supporting the state of Alaska by converting two additional, larger 737-800s," the Alaska Air Cargo managing director said.
He added that to get ready; the cargo carrier has been preparing its infrastructure by adding ground support equipment, pouring new parking pads and increasing the number of ULD containers in our network.
This year, Alaska Air Cargo is also introducing more routes.
"This year, we are increasing belly capacity across our network by adding one new aircraft almost every week. These 737-9s offer higher fuel efficiency, longer ranges and more payload than the older aircraft in our fleet," Drouhard said.
Alaska Air Cargo is also adding routes and expanding station hours to meet demand in regions like California.
Drouhard noted that in the Golden State, the airline has recently expanded our station hours at San Jose (SJC).
"We will be adding more routes connecting San Francisco (SFO) to Anchorage (ANC) in May and San Diego (SAN) to Washington-Dulles (IAD) and Eugene (EUG) in June," he added.