SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As Utah continues to grow as a key logistics hub, the role of air cargo in the state’s economy is becoming more significant than ever. Bill Wyatt, Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports and a board member of the Utah Inland Port Authority, emphasized in a recent interview that air cargo, though often overlooked, is a vital driver of both economic growth and environmental innovation.
“People don’t often think about the importance of air cargo, but it’s critical to modern business,” Wyatt explained. “We’ve seen this, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the demand for quick, reliable deliveries surged as people depended on e-commerce. A lot of that cargo was flown, not shipped by sea.”
Wyatt highlighted that air cargo is crucial for companies using lean manufacturing models, where just-in-time delivery is essential. High-value products such as electronics, medical devices, and even footwear components rely on air transport to keep supply chains efficient. “Cargo is the grease that really makes 21st-century manufacturing work,” Wyatt said, noting that companies like Apple and Nike depend on air freight to maintain their global operations.
A Strategic Location for Cargo Growth
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for air cargo. As one of the largest airports in the U.S. by land size, SLC boasts 9,000 acres, which provide ample room for expansion. According to Wyatt, this land advantage, combined with the airport’s central location in the Intermountain West, positions Salt Lake City as a key logistics hub for both domestic and international cargo.
“The geographic location of Salt Lake City is a huge asset,” Wyatt noted. “We’re at a critical crossroads for both passenger and cargo traffic. That’s what attracted Delta to make this a major hub, and it’s the same reason why cargo opportunities here are so bright.”
Wyatt further explained that cargo not only benefits traditional shipping giants like FedEx and UPS but also a large portion of air freight is transported in the belly of passenger planes. Delta, as SLC’s hub carrier, has an entire division dedicated to maximizing the use of cargo space on its flights. “It’s not something people see, but it’s a big part of our business.”
Sustainability at the Forefront
As SLC continues to grow as an air cargo hub, environmental sustainability is a major focus. With Utah’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Wyatt stressed that infrastructure planning and operational efficiency are key to reducing the environmental impact of increased cargo activity.
One of the major projects being undertaken to support both growth and sustainability is the extension of one of the airport’s runways. SLC plans to extend its central runway to 14,000 feet, which will allow larger planes to take off without the weight penalties they currently face during hot summer months. “A longer runway helps planes take off more efficiently, especially in high temperatures,” Wyatt explained. “This reduces the number of flights needed and cuts down on fuel consumption, which is a significant step toward sustainability.”
Wyatt also pointed out that air cargo itself can be part of a more sustainable future. “Moving high-value, time-sensitive goods by air reduces the need for large inventories and warehousing, which can lower overall carbon footprints for companies,” he said.
Moreover, SLC’s vast land holdings adjacent to the Great Salt Lake are unlikely to see residential development, which helps mitigate the common issue of noise complaints and urban encroachment that many other large airports face. “We’re fortunate in that we have room to grow without the same level of conflict between airport expansion and nearby communities,” Wyatt noted. This allows the airport to prioritize sustainable growth without facing some of the challenges that more landlocked airports encounter.
A Bright Future for Utah’s Air Cargo Industry
As the demand for rapid, reliable transportation grows, especially in industries like biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and electronics, Utah’s air cargo capacity is poised for expansion. Wyatt sees air cargo as essential to the state’s economic future and an integral part of maintaining the state’s competitive edge.
“Cargo is not just about moving goods—it’s about moving the economy forward,” Wyatt said. “And as we invest in infrastructure and sustainability, we’re ensuring that Salt Lake City will remain at the forefront of the air cargo industry for decades to come.”
Author: Kaitlin Felsted
Published: 09/23/2024