A Closer Look At Alaska Airlines’ Dedicated Cargo Operations

Summary

  • Alaska Air Cargo serves as a vital lifeline to remote Alaskan communities with dedicated cargo fleets.
  • The operations of Alaska Air Cargo extend beyond Alaska, offering services in over 100 destinations across North America.
  • Alaska Air Cargo emphasizes sustainability, employing cold-chain innovations and fuel-efficient aircraft for environmental protection.

Alaska Airlines

is widely recognized for its extensive passenger services across North America, but what often goes unnoticed is its robust and dedicated cargo operations. Alaska Air Cargo, the air-freight arm of Alaska Airlines, has a critical role in the airline’s operations, particularly in the vast and often inaccessible regions of Alaska and various critical markets across the United States.

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The Alaska Air Cargo fleet

Aircraft

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Boeing 737-800 F

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Boeing 737-700 F

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According to the airline’s website, the airline’s dedicated cargo fleet includes Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 freighters specially modified for cargo transport. These planes can carry up to 50,000 pounds of freight per flight, ensuring that essential goods such as food, medicine, and even live animals reach remote areas efficiently and reliably.

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A critical component of Alaskan infrastructure

Alaska is a unique state with many communities that are not connected by reliable roads and are accessible only by air or sea. For these communities, Alaska Air Cargo is not just a service; it’s a lifeline.

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The importance of Alaska Air Cargo’s operations in the state cannot be overstated. For more than 90 years, the airline has been committed to serving Alaska’s communities, transporting everything from fresh seafood to time-sensitive materials like medical supplies. This dedication is reflected in their extensive network, including over 20 communities in Alaska, each served by dedicated freighters and belly cargo space on passenger flights.​

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According to Alaska Air Cargo, these are some of the remote communities served within Alaska:

  • Anchorage (ANC)
  • Fairbanks (FAI)
  • Juneau (JNU)
  • Bethel (BET)
  • Kotzebue (OTZ)
  • Nome (OME)
  • Barrow (Utqiaġvik) (BRW)
  • Kodiak (ADQ)
  • Ketchikan (KTN)
  • Petersburg (PSG)
  • Sitka (SIT)
  • Wrangell (WRG)
  • Cordova (CDV)
  • Yakutat (YAK)
  • King Salmon (AKN)
  • Dillingham (DLG)
  • Dutch Harbor (Unalaska) (DUT)

Expanding beyond Alaska: a growing national presence

While Alaska Air Cargo is indispensable within Alaska, its operations extend beyond its borders. The airline offers services across over 100 destinations in North America, including the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, and even Hawaii. According to Alaska Air Cargo Connections, a vital element of this expansion is the addition of new routes and increased cargo capacity on the West Coast, particularly with the introduction of twice-weekly freighter services to Los Angeles (LAX) from Anchorage via Seattle​.

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This West Coast expansion is part of a wider strategy to meet the growing demand for air freight services. Industries up and down the coast, from seafood producers to e-commerce businesses, rely on the fast and reliable services provided by Alaska Air Cargo. The airline’s ability to handle perishable goods is a significant selling point. It leverages its expertise in cold-chain logistics to ensure that goods arrive in pristine condition, no matter where they are shipped​ (Alaska Air Cargo).

The people running the operation

The success of Alaska Air Cargo’s operations is not just about planes and routes—it’s also about the people who make it all happen. Behind the scenes is a dedicated team known as the Cargo Network Support (CNS) team. This small but mighty group of nine experienced operations and customer service agents manages the intricate logistics that keep Alaska Air Cargo running smoothly. They handle everything from online booking support and freighter scheduling to tracking and tracing shipments, including time-sensitive or life-critical, such as human organs or live animals​.

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The CNS team is vital to Alaska Air Cargo’s commitment to customer service. They work around the clock to ensure that all shipments are managed efficiently and that any issues, such as flight delays, are communicated immediately to customers. Their expertise and dedication are crucial in maintaining the high standards of service that Alaska Air Cargo is known for.

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 N579AS.

Photo: Ronen Fefer | Shutterstock

A focus on sustainability

Alaska Air Cargo is not just about cargo and goods from point A to point B; it’s also about doing so in an innovative and sustainable way. The airline has a long history of cold-chain innovations, essential for transporting perishable goods like seafood. These innovations include temperature-controlled systems and specialized training for all cargo agents, ensuring that products are handled with the utmost attention from start to finish​.

According to Alaska Airlines News, in addition to its operational innovations, Alaska Air Cargo is also committed to sustainability. The airline has significantly reduced its environmental impact by using fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing greener practices. This commitment to sustainability is part of a broader effort by Alaska Airlines to protect the communities it serves while continuing to provide essential services​.

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The future of Alaska Air Cargo

Looking ahead, Alaska Air Cargo is poised for continued growth. The airline’s recent expansion into new markets, particularly on the West Coast, is just the beginning. With a major focus on service, innovation, and sustainability, Alaska Air Cargo is well-positioned across North America.

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In conclusion, while Alaska Airlines is best known for its passenger flights, its dedicated cargo operations are critical to its business. From serving remote communities in Alaska to expanding its reach across the continent, Alaska Air Cargo plays an essential role in keeping goods moving—and doing so with a commitment to excellence evident in every aspect of its operations.

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