Page 58 - Inbound Logistics | April 2017 | Digital Issue

Alaska Air Cargo’s new freighter fleet will offer more flexibility and capability across its
network, with more service to Alaskan communities, new routes between Seattle and
Alaska and connectivity to more than 100 other destinations.

lthough Alaska’s oil revenues—a mainstay of the state’s planes can optimize their schedules to
economy—dropped precipitously between 2012 and support the communities they serve.
2015, largely due to lower prices, many logistics com- “We want to maximize morning flights,”
Berry says, as those often are used to
A panies operating in the state remain optimistic about its move parts and equipment needed for
prospects. Oil prices ebb and flow, and both Alaska’s population and its just-in-time operations.
Alaska Airlines also will be able to
tourism industry show steady growth. enhance its cargo service to markets
Because of Alaska’s location, harsh on time, so towns have what they need,” that are not big passenger destinations,
weather, and many remote villages— says Jason Berry, managing director of Berry says. For instance, Alaska Airlines’
despite the state’s size, it has only cargo, Alaska Airlines. “Many of our cargo operation is adding service to
16,000 miles of roads—effective logis- employees come from communities Unalakleet, and reintroducing seasonal
tics and supply chains are critical. throughout Alaska, and everyone on the and scheduled flights to Dillingham
In addition, many companies employ team takes that mission to heart.” and King Salmon.
a just-in-time inventory management “We are bullish on Alaska for the
approach to rein in costs. In Alaska, Access by Air long term,” Berry says, noting that the
logistics delays don’t simply leave shop- Air cargo is vital to the state, Berry increase in e-commerce is changing
pers without the latest videogame or notes, given the small number of roads the environment. “We want to be in the
outfit. Instead, they can mean parents and the fact that ice can limit move- middle of that growth. We want to grow
waiting for food or diaper deliveries for ment via ship. “Air is the only access to our business in a way that brings value
their children have to go without, or some communities,” he adds. to the community, and use our efficient
construction projects and oil drilling Alaska Airlines is boosting its cargo fleet to cover the state,” he adds.
operations remain on hold until key capacity by 15 percent, as it replaces Indeed, Alaska Airlines has been
parts arrive. aircraft that flew both cargo and pas- hauling critical supplies around the
Moving products to, from, and within sengers with three new cargo-dedicated globe since its founding in 1932. In
Alaska efficiently, safely, and on sched- airplanes. These will fly to and from the 1940s, its planes carried food for
ule is a responsibility the individuals Alaska and within the state. the Berlin Airlift and flew refugees to
involved in the state’s logistics and sup- This change also enhances flexibility, Israel. The carrier also hauled drill-
ply chain sector take seriously. “We take as the planes won’t be tied to passen- ing rigs to Alaska’s North Slope and
a lot of pride in moving cargo safely and ger schedules. Instead, the cargo-only Ecuador’s jungles.

56 Inbound Logistics • April 2017