Two former US military air force bases are coming into their own for cargo and passenger service: Port San Antonio (formerly Kelly Air Force Base) and San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), formerly NortonAir Force Base.
Port San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas, is working closely with Asia, Latin America and Middle Eastern carriers to develop service with its Kelly International Air Cargo Airport (SKF). “These carriers may consider Port San Antonio as a hub for their service for markets in the US and other markets such as Mexico,” explains Marcela V. A. Dean, senior business development manager.“As congestion grows in traditional aircargo airports, Port San Antonio maybe an effi cient alternative.”
Already Port San Antonio has an offi ce in Shanghai dedicated to developing air cargo business. With a 11,500-foot heavy-duty runway, SKF is ready for “heavy lift” cargo aircraft and heavy-duty equipment deliveries. In addition, Port San Antonio can provide space for aircraft parking and“build-to-suit” product storage of heavyequipment or a sortation centre. Alsolocated there is a Foreign Trade Zonewhich permits the consolidation of USand Asian cargoes bound for Mexicoand vice-versa. In addition, the Port’sgeographical position enables effi cientfeeder service to other countries.
“As freight forwarders and carriers from around the world become aware of our advantages, tonnage through our facilities will certainly commence as well as potentially migrate from other air cargo centres,” Dean expects.
Among other developments, a Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility for the US Department of Homeland Security and all other federal inspection services necessary for the processing of international cargoes will open up at the airport by year’s end. At the same time a 89,500 square foot air cargo terminal capable of simultaneously servicing four heavy lift aircraft will open. Its location is less than onehalfmile from the airfield.
SBD in California has already attracted numerous all-cargo aircraft operations that include the Antonov- 124, Atlas Air, Custom Air Transport and Evergreen Aviation International. Anticipated total cargo tonnage projected by Southern California Associated Government for SBD is 500,000tonnes.
SBD is supported by a new 3,048 metre by 61 metre runway. It offers a new fuel farm, US Customs facilities and personnel, and room to construct or expand facilities. Over US$90 million have been invested in major infrastructure improvements that include therunway, hangar and utility upgrades.
“SBD is well positioned as a consolidation/ distribution point for both air cargo and truck shipments,” states Donald L. Rogers, SBD executive director. Several major companies already occupy distribution centres there that range from 600,000 square feet to 2 million square feet. These include Kohls Departments Stores, Mattel Toy Co., Pep Boys, Medline Industries, and Stater Bros. Markets.
Located 60 miles east of Los Angles, SBD Airport offers easy access to major interstate highways that stretch from Mexico to Vancouver and Los Angeles to Florida. Three miles east is a major intermodal rail facility with transcontinental rail service. – Karen E. Thuermer
