Silk Way West Airlines and Crane Logistics collaborate with CVG Airport

Cargo development at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has accelerated in recent years as DHL and Amazon have expanded their hub presence. Silk Way West Airlines, which operates in collaboration with Crane Worldwide Logistics, is the newest entry, and will fly 80 inbound and 80 outgoing flights at CVG in 2022, providing about 14,400 tonnes of cargo. Planes arriving from Asia and Europe will arrive once a week until the summer, when activity will increase to two flights each week.

Cargo tonnage was up 18% over 2020 by the end of 2021, surpassing 100% growth over the previous five years. While most cargo planes and activity, such as unloading, sorting, and reloading, take place on the south end of the airport property, there is another side to the cargo industry - general cargo activities with FedEx on the north end.

"This has been a great collaboration, and we've been happy to assist with coordination, including connecting these companies to local partners. As we build out this service for additional cargo carriers, we look forward to what's to come," said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG Airport.

CVG's robust airfield infrastructure, comprising four runways and an apron space for cargo planes, as well as its closeness to warehouse distribution facilities, made it desirable to the corporations. The airport employees collaborated diligently to establish ground handling arrangements, including manpower and equipment. Trego-Dugan Aviation will provide Silk Way West with ground handling support at CVG.