Miami International Airport (MIA) reported a new record for cargo volumes last year which it largely attributed to a year-end surge in demand.
The Florida airport said its cargo volumes in 2020 rose by 57,382 tons to more than 2.3 million tonnes compared to the level seen a year-ago.
In particular, MIA — one of America's busiest cargo hubs — noted an “exceptionally strong” year-end surge in volumes which it said averaged 210,000 tons in October, November and December, making the last quarter months the airport’s busiest months ever.
The airport also said it ended 2020 with 59,000 cargo-only flights which was also a record for the hub, just around 8,000 more flights compared to 2019.
“The fact that this growth occurred during the pandemic is even more encouraging. As our local economic rebound progresses, we are fortunate to have a leading passenger and cargo hub like MIA that is thriving during these unprecedented times,” said Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County mayor.
The growth in demand towards the last quarter also reflected the start of a rebound in the US economy, with retail sales rising rapidly as more states started easing various forms of lockdown measures against the coronavirus.
The US National Retail Federation reported US$789.4 billion in holiday spending from November through December 2020 — which it said was also the highest on record.
MIA further noted that it continued to be an international gateway for essential supplies and e-commerce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as the busiest US airport for international freight and perishable products.
“Our record-setting year would not have been possible without the strong partnership we share with each and every airline, federal agency and logistics provider that adapted and maintained their services throughout the pandemic,” commented Lester Sola, MIA director and chief executive.
“We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to reaching even greater heights together in 2021, as we facilitate more essential trade and commerce across our region and the globe,” she added.
