DHL moves from Boeing Field to SeaTac [VIDEO]

DHL is abandoning its former Boeing Field operations to take advantage of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s upgraded cargo facilities, which underwent a US$23 million upgrade just last year.

Sea-Tac Airport provides DHL with growth opportunities as we continue to expand,” explained Cain Moodie, vice president and head of operations for DHL Express U.S. DHL will operate 20 flights per week from Sea-Tac, using 757 and 767 freighter aircraft.

The move makes DHL the seventh new carrier to announce service at Sea-Tac in 2016, according to a press release from the Port of Seattle, the parent organization that oversees the airport and maritime operations of the city. Other new airfreight arrivals include Lufthansa Cargo, operated by AeroLogic, and ABX Air, among others.

In 2015, Sea-Tac handled 332,636 tonnes of air cargo. An estimated $12.7 billion worth of airfreight is exported through the airport annually, while another $13.6 billion is imported. The recent $23 million upgrade expanded two cargo areas to increase capacity for larger freighter operations. “The investment we made to modernize and expand our airfield cargo facilities continues to pay off with cargo carriers moving to Sea-Tac to take advantage of the opportunities,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregorie.

Below: video by Port of Seattle on the new air cargo facility at Sea-Tac