Cathay Cargo looks to minimise disruption with Anchorage terminal deal
19 / 09 / 2024
Tom Owen, Cathay Cargo and Sean Dolan, NorthLink Aviation. Source: Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo has announced a long-term agreement with terminal operator NorthLink Aviation to use its air cargo facility and aircraft stands at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
The deal commences in October 2025 and will provide the Hong Kong-based freighter operator with cargo terminal capacity with customs clearance for cargo entering the US and 11 stands for aircraft to park and depart without ground-tug assistance, and four additional push-back hardstands.
Each of the parking stands will offer dual hydrant fueling systems, lighting towers for enhanced ground safety and ground power systems that will use renewable energy.
“Importantly for winter operations, there will be infrastructure in place to support the recovery and recycling of deicing fluid.”
Cathay Cargo said the access to guaranteed stand parking will help minimise disruption and “strengthen schedule resilience” during periods of intense winter weather that are inevitable for operations at the airport.
The airline currently uses stands provided by the airport authority that are shared with other carriers operating to/from Anchorage.
“During disruptions that are typically caused by inclement weather, these stands can become occupied and blocked leading to diversions and flight cancellations,” Cathay Cargo said.
Tom Owen, Cathay director of cargo, said: “Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has been a cornerstone in Cathay Cargo’s successful transpacific operations over many decades, serving as a stopover for our freighters en route to and from the Americas.
“Our partnership with NorthLink further strengthens Anchorage’s strategic significance within our network. Leveraging NorthLink’s privately developed stands through this long-term agreement helps Cathay Cargo address the challenges posed by severe winter storms by ensuring dedicated gate access is available and offering a dependable supply of hard stand parking spaces, thereby enhancing operational resilience and service reliability for our customers’ shipments.”
Northlink Aviation gets FAA approval for Ted Stevens Anchorage air cargo terminal
