Why Amazon Air no longer needs to fly everywhere

Amazon Air ’s domestic network is moving toward optimization. Rather than focusing on capacity growth, the carrier has reallocated lift to improve aircraft utilization, reduce structurally inefficient flying and better align aircraft size with lane-level demand. The resulting network reflects a more selective use of airlift, with growth concentrated in markets that support consistent volume and reductions in areas where trucking or consolidation can achieve comparable service outcomes. Regional capacity changes At the regional level, Amazon’s domestic network saw modest year over year growth, as shown in Figure 1 . However, the distribution of capacity shifted significantly across regions between November 2025 and the same month last year. Total capacity declined slightly in the Midwest (down 1%) and West (down 3%), while the South expanded by 8% and the Northeast by approximately 20%. Alaska recorded the fastest percentage growth, increasing by roughly 70%, though from a comparatively small base. Capacity in the Pacific region rose by 7%, remaining a limited share of the overall network. Figure 1 - Amazon Fleet Capacity by Destination Region (Nov. 2024 vs Nov. 2025)

Capacity reductions in the Midwest and West reflect cautious network optimization, with Amazon pulling back from lower-value mid-distance and cross-country air segments and shifting incremental volume to truck linehaul where service levels can be maintained more efficiently. Growth in the South reflects its expanding role as both a redistribution region and an international gateway, supporting longer average stage lengths and securing capacity tied to Latin America and Caribbean freighter flows that naturally feed other U.S. markets. The Northeast increase is driven by higher intraregional and inbound flying into dense consumer markets, where delivery speed requirements and congestion limit the ability to substitute ground transport for air capacity. Pacific growth is linked to expanded long-haul operations, including service to Hawaii, enabled by the A330 fleet reaching full capacity and adding payload on routes where widebody economics are most favorable. Alaska’s increase, while modest in absolute terms, reflects targeted 767 utilization to support peak-season and international connectivity on routes with limited operational alternatives. Table 1 - Regional Flow and Directional Changes (Nov. 2024 vs Nov. 2025)

Table 1 shows Amazon concentrating air capacity into corridors that combine material tonnage and consistent growth, while pulling back from longer, lower-value inter-regional flying. The most significant increases occur on Northeast- and South-anchored flows, where growth is supported by both percentage gains and large absolute volumes. South-Northeast and South-South regional flows grew on substantial bases, reinforcing the South’s role as both a demand center and a key feeder into dense Northeast markets. On the other hand, the bottom of the table is dominated by declines across West- and Midwest-oriented cross-regional flows, many of which were previously high-volume lanes. These reductions suggest a deliberate retreat from long, transcontinental air movements where ground transport can absorb volume more efficiently. Overall, the pattern supports the broader narrative of a more regionalized network, with air capacity increasingly focused on dense, repeatable corridors that offer the greatest operational value. Airport-level growth and reductions At the destination level, Figure 2 shows Amazon continuing to concentrate air capacity into a smaller group of primary gateways while allowing volumes at secondary markets to decline. Cincinnati (CVG) remains the largest destination in the network despite a modest year-over-year reduction, reinforcing its role as a stable sorting backbone rather than a growth market. Amazon is prioritizing destinations capable of absorbing higher volumes with consistent utilization, particularly where air and ground operations can be firmly integrated, as evidenced by increases at Fort Worth (AFW), Wilmington (ILN), Ontario (ONT), Miami (MIA) and Baltimore (BWI). Figure 2 - Top 25 Amazon Destinations by Capacity (Nov 2024. vs Nov. 2025)

Conversely, several secondary destinations, including San Bernardino, Phoenix, Portland, Austin and San Francisco, recorded capacity declines. These reductions are consistent with Amazon consolidating lift into nearby primary gateways and relying more on trucking to serve overlapping catchment areas. The pattern supports the broader network narrative of optimization, with air capacity increasingly focused on destinations that support dense, repeatable flows and two-way utilization, while marginal flying at smaller markets is reduced without materially affecting service outcomes. Figure 3 - Top 25 Amazon Origins by Capacity (Nov. 2024 vs Nov. 2025)

Viewed alongside the destination data, the origin chart shows Amazon’s air network is becoming more decentralized. Rather than routing all volumes through a primary sortation point, the network appears increasingly structured to position aircraft closer to demand centers, shortening average routing complexity and improving efficiency. Fleet composition and role of widebodies Figure 4 shows a clear increase in the share of A330-300 capacity year over year, driven largely by Amazon’s final A330-300P2Fs entering service through Hawaiian Airlines (now Alaska Airlines ). With those deliveries completed, the A330 has become a more established part of Amazon’s widebody fleet. Beyond the aircraft already flying, Amazon has also recently acquired A330 feedstock for future conversion which could be the start of a broader A330 presence over time. The 767 remains a central part of the network, with overall capacity largely unchanged, while recent announcements around new 767 feedstock entering the conversion pipeline point to continued investment in the type as Amazon builds out widebody options. Figure 4 - US Domestic Capacity by Freighter Type (Nov. 2024 vs Nov. 2025)

The 737-800 fleet remains relatively stable in terms of capacity, reflecting its mature role on shorter and medium-density routes. Sun Country’s expansion of its dedicated 737 freighter operation for Amazon adds flexibility at the margin without materially changing the balance of the fleet. Network direction and outlook Amazon Air is entering a more thoughtful phase of network development, where changes in capacity are increasingly shaped by where volume is generated and absorbed rather than by simple footprint growth. Across regions, flows and airports, capacity is being directed toward dense demand centers and high-volume corridors, while flying that adds complexity without sustained utilization is scaled back. Fleet trends suggest this network design will continue to evolve incrementally. The growing share of A330 capacity signals a gradual pivot toward widebodies optimized for heavier volumes and longer stage lengths. Amazon is increasingly focused on adding flexibility and depth to its air network, aligning aircraft deployment with long-term demand and steadily advancing its integrator ambitions.

Why Amazon Air no longer needs to fly everywhere

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