Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport has developed a new air cargo facility with the intention of establishing Houston as a major hub for temperatureand time-sensitive air cargo, challenging the established perishable hubs of Los Angeles and Miami. The 61,484-squarefoot facility, developed by Trammell Crow Company to be operated by Tradewinds Cargo Handling, is scheduled to beginoperation in early November.

This new facility has the capability of changing the landscape and altering the traffic patterns for the distribution of fresh cargo, also known as perishables.

The produce is flown to the airports then trucked to the desired destination. That means a two-day delay for Houston retailers and consumers.

“We’re trying to develop some new supply lines that will help to get the product into the US faster,” said Marlene McClinton, Houston Airport System communications manager. “It doesn’t make sense to fly perishables to Miami and then truck them all the way to Louisiana, Texas or other nearby places. The produce loses value every time it’s stressed.”

Customs facilities are located on-site and the perishables centre is located where most of the trucking and transfer takes place. The facility will begin importing flowers from South America in November and will expand as timeprogresses, the airport said.