Volume 26 | March 2023
Exciting new technology, new planes and new routes coming this year.
Update from Adam: Ambitious changes ahead.
This is a year of exciting growth and change for Alaska Air Cargo and our customers. The investments we are making now in our technology and our capacity will strengthen every part of our business — and lay the foundation for future growth.
Here’s what you can look forward to over the next few months:
New technology: Streamlined cargo systems.
We are updating the systems that power our entire cargo network — from booking to intake to tracking to delivery — in our first back-office upgrade in more than 15 years. Our new iCargo technology will also create safer and simpler operational processes in our facilities, improving the way we move your freight.
What this means for you: Doing business with us will be easier. Customers will have new tools with a better online booking experience that integrates real-time information about capacity, embargoes and station hours. In our stations, we will implement more efficient equipment – including the latest in scanner technology – to improve our tracking of shipments and provide enhanced visibility into the status of your cargo.
We will need your help: This summer, we’ll invite you to create your account in the new iCargo system. Then, watch for tips and training tools from us in late summer and early fall, with the new efficient system fully operational in Q4. We know change can be challenging, and we look forward to working with you through this transition. We will also be asking for your feedback as we continue to improve the new technology over time.
Timing: Summer-fall
Watch our project page for updates.
Two new freighters to increase fleet capacity.
This year we are essentially doubling the capacity of our freighter fleet supporting the state of Alaska by converting two additional, larger 737-800s. To get ready, we’ve been preparing our infrastructure by adding ground support equipment, pouring new parking pads and increasing the number of ULD containers in our network.
What this means for you: With our improved infrastructure, we will be ready to put this new capacity to work for you as soon as the first new freighter arrives this summer, and the additional capacity will improve both reliability and redundancy for our service in the state of Alaska.
Timing: Summer (first new freighter); end of year (second new freighter)
Watch our project page for updates.
Network growth: More aircraft and more routes.
This year, we are increasing belly capacity across our network by adding one new aircraft almost every week. These 737-9s offer higher fuel efficiency, longer ranges and more payload than the older aircraft in our fleet.
We are also adding routes and expanding station hours to meet demand in regions like California. In the Golden State, we’ve recently expanded our station hours at San Jose (SJC), and we will be adding more routes connecting San Francisco (SFO) to Anchorage (ANC) in May, and San Diego (SAN) to Washington-Dulles (IAD) and Eugene (EUG) in June.
What this means for you: We have new opportunities for capacity coming online throughout the year. Reach out to our sales managers to talk about how we can make our opportunities serve your business.
We know this is a lot of change.
This is an ambitious year, with changes coming to our entire operation — and while that’s exciting, we also know that can be challenging for both our customers and our teams. With the new iCargo technology, doing business with us will look a little different later this year. As these initiatives progress, we are committed to communicating about changes well in advance. And we look forward to working together through these transitions, which will create even more opportunities for growth in the years ahead.
As always, thank you for working with us. And if you have questions, reach out to us anytime.
Adam Drouhard, Managing Director, Alaska Air Cargo
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