NEW ORLEANS – Amazon Air daily cargo service began this week at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
After launching its air fleet four years ago, the Seattle-based e-commerce behemoth said in June that it was leasing 12 Boeing 767-300 converted cargo aircraft to join its existing 70 aircraft. Now, New Orleans will be one of its stops. This is part of Amazon’s plan to compete with UPS, FedEx and DHL.
From a press release:
“Amazon Air’s fleet expansion comes at a time when people in communities across the country continue to adjust to this unprecedented time, with many relying on having the items they need delivered directly to their doorstep. Amazon Air has played a central role during the COVID-19 pandemic by transporting essential PPE supplies for Amazon associates, frontline health workers and relief organizations across the U.S., all while maintaining capacity for regular cargo operations to ensure customers continue to receive the items they need. Now, with expanded cargo capacity to come, Amazon will continue to meet evolving demand and a growing customer base.”
This year, the company also opened a regional air hub at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Fla. In May, Amazon Air began operating at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, and Luis Muñoz MarÃn International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will begin operations at San Bernardino International Airport in San Bernardino, Calif. next year. Amazon’s $1.5 billion central air hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is also scheduled to open in 2021.
The new service to MSY is not expected to create any new jobs at the outset.
