Amazon Air Begins Gateway Operations at DSM
November 9, 2021
Media Contact: Kayla Kovarna
Amazon Air Begins Gateway Operations at Des Moines International Airport
Amazon Air launches daily cargo service before peak season
Des Moines, Iowa (November 9, 2021): Today, Amazon Air launched daily cargo service to the Des Moines International Airport, with the inaugural flight arriving shortly before 3:00 AM. The aircraft was swiftly unloaded, reloaded, and departed on time at 6:18 AM. This is the first regional gateway for Amazon Air in Iowa and supports shipment of Amazon customer packages throughout the region and country.
“The Des Moines International Airport is uniquely positioned to support expedited service to Iowa and the surrounding areas with access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 35,” said Kevin Foley, Des Moines Airport Authority executive director. “This partnership will support the shipment of Amazon packages for customers in the region, and we couldn’t be more excited to help them make that happen for Iowans.”
Amazon has invested over $250 million in Iowa, including infrastructure and compensation to over 1,500 full and part-time employees.
“We are thrilled to expand Amazon Air operations in Des Moines to improve capacity for shipment of customer packages in the region,” said Director of Amazon Air Gateway Operations Chris Preston. “We are proud of the investments Amazon has made in Iowa and look forward to continued growth.”
The Des Moines Airport Authority leased 8,052 square feet in an existing facility and 32,475 of land to Trego-Dugan Aviation, a new ground handler at the Airport, who has a contract with Amazon Air to sort and load Amazon packages bound for their next destination. Amazon Air’s newest regional gateway joins five main investment sites already in the state, including one fulfillment center, three delivery stations, and a Whole Foods Market location.
“Welcoming Amazon Air to Des Moines International is a reflection of the growth in the region and future opportunities for the Airport and the state,” said Foley. “As we celebrate a decade of growth at DSM, this announcement is a glimpse of what is to come for Iowa’s largest airport, and that is truly exciting.”
About the Des Moines Airport Authority
The Des Moines Airport Authority is an independent entity that oversees the operations and maintenance of the Des Moines International Airport. The Airport Authority works to improve the quality of air service and make air travel to and from Des Moines more convenient and pleasurable. For more information, visit www.flydsm.com and follow @dsmairport on Twitter and DSM International Airport on Facebook.
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