Amazon expands its air cargo fleet and on-the ground ops

Amazon keeps expanding its delivery capabilities by growing its aircraft fleet.

The online giant announced it will lease 12 Boeing 767-300 converted cargo aircraft from Air Transport Services Group, bringing the retailer’s total Amazon Air fleet to more than 80 aircraft. One of the new aircraft joined Amazon’s operations in May 2020, with the remaining 11 to be delivered in 2021.

In addition to aircraft, Amazon continues to expand its on-the-ground operations. The company will open new regional air hubs at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida later this summer and at San Bernardino International Airport next year, along with the central Amazon Air Hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in 2021. 

Amazon’s growing aircraft fleet could grow to 200 by 2028 as it expands its North American network this decade, according to the study, Insights into Amazon Air 2020’s Transportation Juggernaut.

“Amazon Air is critical to ensuring fast delivery for our customers – both in the current environment we are facing, and beyond,” said Sarah Rhoads, VP of Amazon Global Air. “During a time when so many of our customers rely on us to get what they need without leaving their homes, expanding our dedicated air network ensures we have the capacity to deliver what our customers want: great selection, low prices and fast shipping speeds.”

Amazon Air has played a central role during the COVID-19 pandemic by transporting essential PPE supplies for Amazon associates, frontline health workers and relief organizations across the U.S., all while maintaining capacity for regular cargo operations to ensure customers continue to receive the items they need, the company said.