QUESTION: Due to #COVID19 demand, @amazon is beefing up its Prime Air cargo operation. We asked @AfAExecDirector how that
impacts the critical air cargo business in the US? Follow this thread for the answer.
impacts the critical air cargo business in the US? Follow this thread for the answer.
ANSWER: “The recent addition of 20 additional freighter aircraft to the Amazon fleet furnished by Sun Country Airlines establishes the online retailer's position as one of the foremost air cargo carriers in the United States.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to create consumer demand for online products, Amazon will undoubtedly put these planes to good use as these aircraft may ultimately be beneficial to national security.
The air cargo industry is clearly in a period of rapid change with E-Commerce and personal protection equipment demand driving unsurpassed volumes throughout the world.
Several carriers have jumped into action and are now flying their passenger planes on cargo missions with boxes in the bellies and even strapped to seats.
But despite passenger airlines deploying their planes to fly cargo, much of the demand for expedited goods fly on freighter aircraft, chartered by freight forwarders, manufacturers, our government, and even foreign governments.
U.S.-based companies operate some of these aircraft, with many operated by firms based out of the country, including China and Russia.
While Amazon will get immediate and direct usage of the new freighters, for its own operations, our nation may also be able to use them if needed through the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) program, an initiative in which Sun Country’s parent company participates.”
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