Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport opens new air cargo complex

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport opened a new air cargo complex on Tuesday that airport leaders said would help businesses move goods through the region by air, road, rail, and sea.

Savannah is already a major gateway for goods with access to the Georgia Ports, Interstate 16 and I-95. Airport leaders said the facility on Gulfstream Road adds to that shipping network.

It covers 36 acres, with a bridge over Gulfstream Rd. for aircraft to get in and out at the same time. Officials said it accommodates wide-body planes, including a Boeing 767-300.

It added about 13,500 square yards of new taxiway pavement, along with taxiway lighting, signage, drainage, and marking improvements.

Gregory Kelly, executive director of the Savannah Airport Commission, said, “I really appreciate a board that’s not afraid to take risks and back the staff with the recommendations. You’re seeing tripling the volume already of air cargo capacity today, and we haven’t just begun to start.”

It has three spaces for lease: one 25,000-square-foot unit and two 10,000-square-foot units, and opens the doors to cold storage.

Stephen Green, chairman of the Savannah Airport Commission, said the complex adds to the airport’s $4.3 billion economic impact in the region.

“On what was once under-utilized airport property is more than a brick-and-mortar facility,” Green said. “It reflects years of planning, partnership, a shared vision to the future.”

Kelly added it took about $10 million in grants to fund this project, but the buildings themself were built with the airport’s direct budget.

Shippers comment

Spencer Evans of FedEx said he has been involved in cargo development projects for more than 40 years in the industry. None stood out like this when it came to the idea and implementation.

“I can honestly tell you that was one of the most well-coordinated, well-executed, smoothest projects that I’ve been involved in,” Evans said.

Clarence Lanham of UPS said, “As we continue to grow, serve our customers, and strengthen our presence in the Savannah area.”

Green added, “Unprecedented growth in manufacturing. distribution, e-commerce, and global trade, the ability to move goods quickly and efficiently has never been more important.”

Growth in Savannah

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson also spoke about continued growth. Johnson said Savannah has been a gateway to commerce, connecting people, products, and possibilities to the world.

“This investment builds upon that proud legacy while really preparing us to compete and succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy,” Johnson said.