Leveraging Geography and Operations for Competitive Advantage in Air Cargo: Challenges and Opportunities in Alaska

Abstract

Alaska is the largest state by land area in the United States. It is also the most diverse in its climate and topography. This chapter will examine the geographic and operational features that make Alaska a unique environment for air cargo logistics. Some of these features sustain its competitive advantage in international air cargo activity. In particular, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is a major air cargo gateway for Asia trade with the contiguous United States. An overview of the airport's exclusive air cargo transfer operations will be discussed. Alaska is also one of the least populous states, with about half of the population living in and around the Anchorage area. Due to this, towns and villages ranging from the temperate Alaska Panhandle to well above the Arctic Circle remain dependent on commercial air cargo activity. The federal air cargo program known as Alaska Bypass will be examined as remaining both unique and necessary for the state's socio-economic development.

Citation

Prokop, D.J. (2022), "Leveraging Geography and Operations for Competitive Advantage in Air Cargo: Challenges and Opportunities in Alaska", Nolan, J. and Peoples, J. (Ed.) The International Air Cargo Industry (Advances in Airline Economics, Vol. 9), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 141-154. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2212-160920220000009006