New service strengthens e-commerce giant's third-party cargo offering while supporting SDQ airport's expansion plans and $6m investment in dedicated express package facilities
Amazon Air Cargo has expanded its operations to the Caribbean with the launch of flights to the Dominican Republic.
The new service operates seven times a week between Miami and Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) using Boeing 767 freighter aircraft.
The flights are operated in partnership with ALK Global Logistics and airport operator AERODOM and offer around 770 metric tons of capacity per week.
ALK Global Logistics chief executive and president Alfonso Aleman said: ”This new route positions us at the forefront of logistics in the region, enabling exporters and importers to benefit from faster, more reliable solutions through our partnership with Amazon Air Cargo and AERODOM.”
ALK covers the Americas and Caribbean and specialises in charter operations, project cargo, and end-to-end freight management, with target verticals ranging from perishables to e-commerce.
In December 2024, ALK Global Logistics became the first partner to launch an Amazon air cargo service in Colombia
Mónika Infante Henríquez, chief executive of AERODOM, added: “Welcoming Amazon Air Cargo’s new service reinforces SDQ’s position as the Dominican Republic’s leading cargo gateway.
"Together with ALK and Amazon Air Cargo, we are driving competitiveness, efficiency, and growth in international trade.”
The airport is currently in the process of expanding its cargo infrastructure to meet rising air cargo volumes, which stand at around 6,800 tonnes per month.
SDQ recently opened a dedicated terminal for express packages and e-commerce shipments, operated by the Dominican Customs Authority (Dirección General de Aduanas), to further strengthen its capabilities.
"Backed by AERODOM’s $6m investment, this facility expands storage and handling capacity by 186%, adding 4,858 sq m and enabling the processing of 4m additional packages per year," the airport operator said.
"Equipped with advanced X-ray screening systems, the terminal enhances both operational speed and national security."
Amazon Air last year confirmed that it was selling cargo capacity on its aircraft to third parties, including ad hoc and charter services.
The third-party operation is run through the Amazon Air Cargo brand and its network also covers North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and Asia.
The air cargo business has launched a number of partnerships this year, including with Avianca on operations between North and South America and Air Premia on services to Hawaii.
