Anchorage Airport has New Cargo Jet

Boeing 747-8 increases load going through Anchorage

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: Dec 17, 2011 at 10:14 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 17, 2011 at 10:14 AM AKDT

Anchorage has secured its future as an international transit cargo hub, according to officials at Ted Stevens International Airport.

The first Boeing 747-8 freighter to land in Anchorage arrived late Thursday night on its way to L.A. and flew back in Friday afternoon on its way to Hong Kong.

This aircraft is owned by Cathay Pacific, which says the cargo plane will use Anchorage as a refueling hub when traveling between North America and Hong Kong.

The first of a new generation of cargo aircraft will use Anchorage as a cargo hub.

The 747-8 is significantly larger than the cargo planes currently in use. The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation says there have been concerns that long-haul aircraft would bypass the city in the future – but the arrival of the first Boeing 747-8 freighter Thursday night means the future looks bright.

The larger freighter also represents an opportunity for Alaska business to grow. The AEDC also says it’s a good sign for jobs.

Anchorage and Fairbanks have been working on being compatible with these new aircraft for 10 years by modifying taxiways and runways.

The aircraft is reportedly 30 percent quieter than its predecessor and can hold 16 percent more revenue-generating cargo volume.

 

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