While commercial air traffic in and out of the London International Airport hasn’t quite returned to pre-pandemic levels, cargo business has been soaring.
The airport has seen more than 300 cargo flights since the start of the year, up from just 14 over the same time in 2021. That represents an increase of 185 per cent compared to the airport’s busiest time in the past five year.
“We continue to see increased demand for air cargo movements at the London International Airport,” said Scott McFadzean, President and CEO of the London International Airport. “The airport is well positioned to attract increased cargo activity and support the strong manufacturing base in southwestern Ontario that continues to rely on reliable air cargo services.”
The jump in cargo activity is partly attributed to cargo handling businesses London Air Cargo implementing new screening technology at the airport last fall. The new tech means cargo no longer has to go elsewhere to be screened before arriving at its destination.
Joe Ferreira, business development manager for London Air Cargo, said the company has also been marketing its services and by extension London’s airport to companies internationally.
“We have reached out to many new clients in the US, Mexico, and Europe and in the process promoted the London International Airport and the City of London,” said Ferreira. “Our efforts have been rewarded with increased sales and exposure. We can now provide cargo loading and off loading , screening of cargo, warehousing and loading docks transportation to our customers, such as the ‘big three’ automakers and related industries in southwestern Ontario.”
Overall, air shipments have increased as the pandemic forced more people to shop online and created global supply chain issues. More manufacturers, retailers, and seafood distributors have also begun opting for air cargo over long haul trucks and boats as it is considered faster and more reliable than the other two options. According to the International Air Transport Association, the volume of goods shipped by air rose by 19 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year.
Read original story from London Ontario – BlackburnNews.com