SupplyChainDive (Jennifer McKevitt): SkyBridge Arizona, a new international air cargo hub and the nation's first, will soon commence operations out of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, American Shipper reported. The hub will enhance trade between the U.S., Mexico and throughout Latin America by eliminating the additional step of gaining approval in Mexico City.
The customs portion of the project — Unified Cargo Processing (UCP) Program — will be operated by both the U.S. and Mexico. The joint program initially began in Nogales, Arizona and will now expand for air freight to SkyBridge Arizona.
The project will likely create 17,000 jobs and increase cargo flights out of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport by roughly 2,000 a year, transforming the airport from a "convenient regional transportation hub to a powerful economic engine,” Jose Pablo Martinez Buentello, SkyBridge Arizona project manager, said in a press release. At least $230 million dollars in investments have been set aside for 360 acres of land for commercial development and 2 million square feet of warehouse space to accommodate the project.
Other articles:American Shipper: Arizona launches international air cargo hub for U.S., Mexico customs AZ Big Media: SkyBridge Arizona marks new era in cross-border commerce
Photo caption: Entrance to Terminal 1 at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway International Airport in Mesa.Photo credit: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway International Airport
