Hoping to emulate the success of Los Angeles International Airport’s lucrative cargo business Arizona businessmen and officials plan to turn Williams Gateway Airport into an international cargo hub.
Williams Gateway, which became Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport on 15 October, is being positioned as a potential international player for direct-air freight deliveries to and from international markets, according to the Arizona Republic.
To enhance creation of the airport’s international import-export status, the project, known as Arizona Direct, also seeks to provide direct rail access and establish regional truck service, aerospace research and development and manufacturing.
John Barry, Williams Gateway’s director of marketing and development, said users could cut costs by as much as 54 per cent, save fuel and lower carbon emissions by moving international freight through Williams Gateway and its duty-free Foreign Trade Zone instead of hauling it to and from California’s airports and seaports.
The airport is hoping to woo companies such as Intel, Honeywell and Boeing. Arizona Direct has been in planning for almost two years with input from more than 20 business professionals, entrepreneurs, trade groups and economic development organizations.