Amazon started operations at its new US air cargo hub in Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on August 11, continuing its expansion in the air freight sector.

The new hub was more than four years in the making, for an investment of $1.5 billion, and will ensure rapid transportation of parcels across the United States, Amazon says. The retail giant plans to create more than 2,000 jobs at the site, which will process millions of packages a week.  

The 800,000 square foot sorting station features technology such as robotic arms and mobile drive units to move and sort packages. Amazon also intends to install solar panels on the roof of the building, which will provide electricity to the local grid. 

“We’re excited to get rolling in Northern Kentucky, and we’re thrilled to employ thousands of fantastic people from the area in this next-generation, highly sophisticated facility that will connect our air cargo network for years to come,” commented Sarah Rhoads, Vice President of Amazon Global Air. 

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said it would make Kentucky the “undisputed national leader in air cargo.”

Amazon is rapidly investing in expanding its own air freight operations. In January 2021, it announced plans to buy 11 Boeing 767-300 jets and in March purchased a minority stake in American air cargo operator Air Transport Services Group.

In 2020, it also opened its European air hub in Leipzig, Germany.

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Online retailer Amazon purchased a minority stake in American air cargo carrier Air Transport Services Group.