Philadelphia Airport expands its airfreight facilities and capabilities

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is expanding its air cargo facility by 136 acres and will almost tripple its airfreight warehousing space.

To support its expansion and cargo handling capabilities, PHL has formed a partnership with Aviation Facilities Company (AFCO) and has also become a member of TIACA.

PHL’s expansion plan includes the construction of cargo buildings totaling more than 1m sq ft, bringing its cargo building coverage to 1.4m sq ft.

The hub has also been approved to construct more than 5m sq ft of taxiway and apron pavement to accommodate increased aircraft operations.

PHL has already invested $90m through airport revenue bonds and some small grants to enable the development of the site. These projects include an environmental assessment, a $30m wetlands mitigation project, the construction of a $40m aircraft parking apron and the $22m relocation of a 1-mile stretch of road that currently bisects the property.

Stephanie Wear, director of air service development and cargo services at PHL, commented: “We have a huge opportunity to become one of the most successful cargo airports on the East Coast, focusing on speed, efficiency and quality.

“Our ability to attract and collaborate closely with world-class partners is a major strength of this programme.”

Chellie Cameron, chief executive of PHL, added: “This initiative will have a massive economic impact on the region and cement Philadelphia’s status as an intermodal logistics hub

“We are thrilled to begin this work in partnership with our interdisciplinary partners to drive both immediate and long-term growth.”

PHL said its expansion programme has the potential to create around 28,000 jobs and drive billions of dollars in direct economic impact to the region in coming years.