Tag Archives: Amazon

Amazon Air launches a new cargo hub in Northern Kentucky (CVG)

Amazon on August 11 announced the beginning of Amazon Air Hub operations at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

After more than four years of planning and construction, the Amazon Air Hub will serve as the central hub for Amazon Air’s U.S. cargo network, facilitating the rapid transport of customer packages across the country. This $1.5 billion investment in Northern Kentucky will eventually create thousands of jobs for people from various backgrounds, including load planning, management of package sortation, and robotics technology.

The 800,000-square-foot sortation building sits on an over 600-acre campus that features seven buildings, an expansive new ramp for aircraft parking, and a multi-story vehicle parking structure. The sortation facility is equipped with the innovative use of robotics technology that helps move and sort packages—including robotic arms and mobile drive units that transport packages across the building—miles of interlinked conveyors, and ergonomic workstations that support a comfortable work environment for employees. The building will also feature a solar rooftop scheduled for installation over the next year, and all energy generated from the panels will feed directly into the electrical grid of the local community.

Amazon Air continues to expand globally to meet the needs of its growing customer base while investing in jobs and sustainable solutions to power its network. Amazon Air has expanded its presence in the U.S. to more than 40 locations and launched its European air hub in 2020 at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport. Amazon Air has also purchased six million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel and invested in leading-edge electric ground service equipment.

Amazon acquires 11 additional Boeing 767-300F freighters

Amazon has announced its first-ever purchase of eleven Boeing 767-300 aircraft, expanding its fleet to continue to serve customers. The purchases include seven aircraft from Delta and four aircraft from WestJet, which will join the network by 2022. Amazon Air’s fleet expansion comes at a time when customers are relying on fast, free shipping more than ever.

Amazon Air plays a central role in delivering for customers by transporting items across longer distances in shorter timeframes. The four aircraft purchased from WestJet in March are currently undergoing passenger to cargo conversion and will join Amazon Air’s network in 2021, and the seven aircraft from Delta will enter Amazon’s air cargo network in 2022. These fleet additions will ensure added capacity in Amazon Air’s network for years to come. The company will continue to rely on third-party carriers to operate these new aircraft.

Amazon Air continues to expand globally to meet the needs of its growing customer base, while investing in jobs and sustainable solutions to power its network.

Last year, Amazon launched its first-ever air hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany and new regional air operations at Lakeland Linder International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Richmond International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Kahului Airport, Kona International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Louis Armstrong International Airport. This summer, Amazon Air announced its purchase of six million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel and has already invested in leading-edge electric ground service equipment and solar rooftop panels planned at some facilities. Since Amazon Air’s launch in 2016, Amazon has invested hundreds of millions of dollars and created thousands of new jobs at Amazon Air locations across the U.S.

ATSG to lease 12 additional Boeing 767-300Fs to Amazon

Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG), the leading provider of medium wide-body aircraft leasing, air transportation and related services, has announced an agreement to lease twelve additional Boeing 767-300 converted freighter aircraft to Amazon.com Services LLC.

One of the twelve aircraft was delivered on May 29, 2020 and the remaining eleven will be delivered in 2021. All twelve will be leased to Amazon for ten years, with options for Amazon to extend the leases for three additional years.

Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), ATSG’s aircraft leasing subsidiary, currently leases twenty-seven 767 aircraft to Amazon, including six leased during 2019. In December 2018, Amazon committed to lease those six plus an additional four 767s from CAM by the end of 2020. The agreement announced today increases the projected number of 767s CAM will have leased to Amazon to 31 by the end of 2020 and to 42 by the end of 2021.

Widebody Boeing 767 freighters have become the preeminent midsize component of regional air-cargo networks over the last ten years, and ATSG is the world’s largest lessor of that aircraft type. ATSG expects to end 2020 with seventy-eight owned 767 freighter aircraft in operation, seventy-one of which will be leased to eleven external customers.

Note: The aircraft will be operated by ATI. ATI is a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc.

ATI was founded in 1978 as US Airways. In January 1980 the airline (renamed Interstate Airlines) became an FAR Part 121 certificated all-cargo airline flying Convair 580s. Its fleet quickly expanded to include Lockheed L-188 Electra, Boeing 727, and McDonnell-Douglas DC-8 aircraft. The airline flew freight domestically for Purolator, Emery, and ad hoc charters. In 1984 the airline began flying internationally. It moved its headquarters from Michigan to Arkansas. In 1988 the airline adopted its current name.

Through the 1990s and 2000s ATI hauled freight for the Military Airlift Command (Air Mobility Command), UPS, Emery Air Freight, Burlington Air Express, DHL, and Zantop International Airlines. The airline had over 500 employees and operated 32 DC-8s. As a long-term member of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), ATI was among the airlines activated in 1990 to support Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield and received several commendations for its performance.

In October 1994, ICX International Cargo Express was merged with ATI. The airline was purchased by BAX Global, an operating unit of the Brink’s Company, in February 1998.

In 2006, ATI was sold to Cargo Holdings International, Inc. (CHI), which was itself acquired by ABX Holdings, Inc. the following year. In 2008, parent company ABX Holdings was renamed Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG). ATI added its first Boeing 767 in 2008.

In March 2013, Capital Cargo International Airlines was merged with ATI. During the same year, ATI replaced its DC-8 Combi aircraft with more modern Boeing 757 Combi aircraft.

Today, the airline’s fleet consists exclusively of Boeing 767 and 757 aircraft, allowing all of its flight crews to share a common type rating.

The company’s principal customers today include the US military, DHL, and Amazon Fulfillment Services, Inc. (Prime Air).

Top Copyright Photo: Prime Air (ATI) Boeing 767-319 ER (F) WL N419AZ (msn 26913) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 950258.

Prime Air-ATI aircraft slide show:

Amazon is building a Prime Air facility at San Bernardino, CA

Amazon is building a air cargo logistics center, now dubbed the Amazon Air Regional Air Hub, at San Bernardino International Airport, CA, the former Norton Air Force Base according to The Sun.

Sun Country Airlines to fly 10 Boeing 737-800Fs for Amazon, adds Vancouver

Sun Country Airlines has signed a a six-year deal with Amazon to operate 10 Boeing 737-800F freighters for Amazon Prime starting next spring.

The first delivery will be in April 2020.

Previously Amazon announced a partnership with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to lease an additional fifteen Boeing 737-800 cargo aircraft. These fifteen aircraft will be in addition to the five Boeing 737-800s already leased from GECAS and announced earlier this year. The aircraft will fly in the United States out of the more than 20 air gateways in the Amazon Air network.

In other news, Sun Country is adding the Minneapolis/St. Paul – Vancouver route:

Sun Country route map:

Amazon to build its Prime Air primary hub at Cincinnati

Amazon has announced it will build its primary hub on the south side of the airfield at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG).

Amazon’s $1.4 billion investment will support a fleet of 100+ Prime Air cargo planes.

CVG, state and local officials worked with Amazon on a deal to:

• Lease more than 900 acres of CVG land for 50+ years
• Construct three million square feet of buildings
• Add more than 2,700 jobs to CVG’s existing base of 10,000

The expected activity and landed weight of Amazon’s operations will enable CVG to continue lowering its landing fees, benefiting all carriers while ensuring CVG remains a great place to do business.

The Air Hub at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport will open in 2021.

Recently, Amazon also announced a gateway operation to launch in Wilmington, Ohio, in 2019 as well as an expanded operation in Rockford, Illinois.

In addition, Amazon issued this story:

Amazon’s expansion in Kentucky

On May 14, Amazon broke ground for a new Air Hub located in Hebron, KY at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The Air Hub will open in 2021 as part of the company’s commitment to ensure fast, free shipping for customers.

Amazon first set roots in Kentucky in 1999 when it opened two fulfillment centers. Today, Kentucky is home to 14 Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers, one customer service center and two Whole Foods Market stores. Amazon has invested more than $8 billion in the state and created more than 12,500 full-time jobs.

“Our new Amazon Air hub, opening in 2021, is part of our continued investment in Prime to ensure we have the capacity required for continued outstanding service for our customers,” said Sarah Rhoads, director, Amazon Air. “We’re proud to call Kentucky home for our air hub, creating more than 2,000 jobs in this fantastic community.”

“The commonwealth of Kentucky is thrilled to celebrate this historic day, as Amazon officially breaks ground on its $1 billion-plus Amazon Air Hub,” said Kentucky Governor, Matt Bevin. “This massive project at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will be revolutionary for the region’s workforce and for our state’s overall economy. We are grateful for Amazon’s long-term commitment to Kentucky, and we are proud to see this momentous new endeavor take flight.”

“A vibrant airport with a strong air cargo footprint improves the economic vitality of our region,” said Candace McGraw, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “We are grateful to the Amazon team for locating its Central Air Cargo Hub at CVG. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

“Today’s ground-breaking ceremony celebrating Amazon Air’s investment in Boone County, Kentucky, at CVG is a fantastic next step for this historic project,” said Judge/Executive Gary Moore, Boone County, Kentucky. “As one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing counties, I am enthusiastic about what this development means for Boone County—as validation of the skill level of our local workforce, advantageous geographic location, and pro-growth policies. The leaders of Boone County and our region look forward to working with Amazon for many years to come.”

Amazon Prime Air Hub groundbreaking ceremony in Hebron, Kentucky.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, speaking at the Amazon Air groundbreaking event in Hebron, KY

Attendees at the Amazon Air groundbreaking event in Hebron, KY

Dave Bozeman, vice president of Amazon transportation services and Sarah Rhoads, director of Amazon Air

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie

Exterior rendering of the new Prime Air hub to be built at CVG.

An illustration of the exterior space of the new Amazon Air Hub at CVG.

Top Copyright Photo: Prime Air (Atlas Air) Boeing 767-375 ER (F) WL N1217A (msn 25865) ONT (Arnd Wolf). Image: 945755.

Prime Air-Atlas Air aircraft slide show:

Video:

JetBlue Airways partners with Amazon

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-2/Airlines-UnitedStates-2/JetBlue-Airways/i-HSqQ8g3

JetBlue Airways (New York) and Amazon (Seattle) today announced that unlimited streaming entertainment on Amazon Video is available beginning this week on over 150 JetBlue aircraft equipped with free Fly-Fi broadband Internet, just in time to entertain travelers during the holiday travel season.

Amazon Prime members can sign-in or sign-up to instantly access tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including Amazon Originals such as the critically-acclaimed new series The Man in the High Castle, the multi Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series, Transparent, and the Emmy award-winning kid’s series Tumble Leaf, at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, all JetBlue customers can rent or purchase titles in the Amazon Video store, including new release movies and day-after TV programming.

As part of the multiyear year agreement, Amazon on JetBlue has been integrated into The Hub, JetBlue’s entertainment portal that customers access on their personal devices. Amazon on JetBlue offers a high-quality and reliable streaming experience for customers choosing from thousands of titles 35,000 feet in the air.

The collaboration will involve a broad array of benefits for customers, including activities in JetBlue’s flagship Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. In 2016, TrueBlue loyalty program members will be able to earn TrueBlue points for their purchases in more than 40 categories on Amazon while inflight or on the ground through other JetBlue marketing channels.

Customers will also be able to watch Amazon Originals such as the just-launched series The Man in the High Castle as well as the second season of the Emmy and Golden Globe winning series Transparent which airs on December 11, among others, on JetBlue’s seatback televisions.

Copyright Photo: Fred Freketic/AirlinersGallery.com. JetBlue Airways’ Airbus A321-231 N946JL (msn 6425) in the Prism tail design prepares to depart from the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) hub.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

JetBlue and Amazon team up to offer Amazon Prime customers access to inflight movies

JetBlue Airways (New York) and Amazon (Seattle) today issued this joint statement:

Amazan and JetBlue announced that they will bring unlimited, on-demand entertainment to airline travel later this year through JetBlue’s free high-speed Fly-Fi broadband internet, the industry’s fastest complimentary inflight Internet service, to create an unmatched entertainment experience in the sky.

The collaboration will enable Fly-Fi for Amazon Prime members to instantly access tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including exclusive Amazon Original Series such as Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle and Bosch, at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, all JetBlue customers will be able to rent or purchase hundreds of thousands of titles in the Amazon Instant Video store, including new release movies and day-after TV programming, over the free broadband internet.

Fly-Fi uses satellite technology to give customers Internet speeds that feel like what they have at home or work. Amazon and JetBlue worked together to ensure that the inflight entertainment system met the premium experience expected by customers when streaming movies and TV episodes from Amazon. Access to Amazon’s entertainment library will be built into the JetBlue Fly-Fi Hub, giving customers instant access to watch titles from Amazon on their laptops, Fire devices, iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets—no pre-flight download needed. JetBlue’s free Fly-Fi broadband Internet will be available on all JetBlue’s Airbus A321 and A320 aircraft this year, and on JetBlue’s Embraer E190 aircraft in 2016.

“Just like at home, customers will be able to access movies and TV shows from Amazon from 35,000 feet in the sky over our super fast and free Fly-Fi,” said Jamie Perry, Vice President, Brand and Product Development, JetBlue. “Amazon’s customer focus aligns perfectly with the experience we have created for our customers, including the best inflight entertainment, free unlimited snacks and beverages, lots of personal space with the most legroom in coach and wide, comfortable seating. By teaming up with a category-leader like Amazon, we created a unique model where we can offer complimentary broadband Internet access.”

Prime members will be able to instantly stream binge-worthy Amazon Original Series, including the Golden-Globe award-winning series Transparent, the hour-long police drama Bosch, and the Jason Schwartzman and Roman Coppola comedy, Mozart in the Jungle, in addition to original kids series such as the Emmy and Annie award winning series, Tumble Leaf and the Emmy nominated live-action series, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street. They can also enjoy top network series available on Prime Instant Video such as The Americans, Downton Abbey, Justified, The Good Wife, Grimm, Mr. Selfridge Orphan Black, Sons of Anarchy, Suits, Veronica Mars and Vikings.

On top of unlimited instant access to movies and TV episodes, Amazon Prime members will be able to access and listen to more than one million songs available on Prime Music. All JetBlue customers will be able to purchase and download songs from the Amazon Music store, eBooks from the Kindle store, and apps and games from the Amazon Appstore and earn TrueBlue points when they shop specific categories on Amazon over the free Fly-Fi broadband internet while inflight or through JetBlue promotions.

Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N258JB (msn 19000047) in the Tartan scheme turns on its final river approach to Washington’s Reagan National Airport.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show: