Chennault Airport to enter airfreight sector with $4m facility

Chennault International Airport in Louisiana, US, is constructing a new cargo facility that will enable it to enter the airfreight sector.

The hub said it started constructing the $4m facility last month. The 10,000 sq ft building is expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months.

In a statement, the hub said the project was propelled by $3m in capital outlay funding from the Louisiana Legislature, with the balance of the funding paid by the Chennault International Airport Authority.

It also said it is in talks with potential ground handling partners.

Currently, Chennault International Airport is recognised as “an emerging aerospace hub” and the new cargo facility is expected to “provide economic diversity and ultimately create new jobs”.

Chennault executive director Kevin Melton commented: “Chennault remains a game-changer for Southwest Louisiana — and we’re excited to offer this new opportunity for more development and more jobs.”

“We believe there is value for companies to move goods through Chennault. We provide a low-cost alternative to the larger markets where expense, ground delays and airspace delays affect the efficient flow of goods.”

Air cargo consultant David Whitaker added: “Chennault is a very robust airport with enormous potential and Southwest Louisiana is a cargo-rich region of the world.

“Chennault offers relief to airlines and freight forwarders who need space and attention.”

Denise Rau, president of the Chennault International Airport Authority’s board of commissioners, said Chennault’s potential to become a Gulf Coast location for air cargo operations will rest in the same kind of partnerships that have elevated Chennault to what it is today.