Air Cargo at Sea-Tac, International Air Trade Gateway Between the Pacific Northwest and the World

It is Washington Trade Week, and the Port of Seattle is taking this occasion to highlight a different trade partner for each day of the week. Today, we showcase our air cargo partners at Sea-Tac International Airport, who connect Pacific Northwest producers and consumers to the global air cargo market, with non-stop connections to important hub airport cities in Asia and Europe.

While air trade accounts for 2% or less of the total volume of goods shipped, it represents around 40% of global trade value. Goods shipped by air are typically high in value, and need to reach their destination in the shortest time possible. Products may be physically perishable, like fresh fruits or seafood, or economically perishable, like high fashion or the latest must-have electronic gadget.

Vital regional industries depend on air cargo, from Eastern Washington cherry growers, and Pacific seafood suppliers, to the global production supply chain that powers Boeing's commercial aircraft assembly process. Nearly half of all air cargo at Sea-Tac travels on passenger aircraft, in the lower hold along with your luggage. Revenue from this belly-cargo helps airlines afford passenger flight operations, and keeps your ticket price as low as possible.

Learn more about Sea-Tac's Air Cargo operations here.