Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Alabama has begun construction of its first dedicated terminal for general cargo, part of a new focus on attracting cargo business that already includes new chartered freighter flights from Germany. The the $27 million facility, has 48,500 square feet of warehouse space plus administrative offices, 17 dock doors for trucks and five airside bays.
According to the Birmingham Airport Authority, the $27 million facility, will serve as the Southeast air hub for Kuehne+Nagel, logistics service provider. The airport in April launched twice weekly flights from Stuttgart, Germany, to support demand from companies in the automotive, aerospace and pharmaceutical industries, including Mercedes-Benz. It is temporarily operating out of an existing hangar under a temporary lease agreement with another airport tenant. Atlas Air and Cargolux are flying Boeing 747 cargo jets, which return via Chicago O’Hare airport, on Kuehne+Nagel’s behalf. Alliance Ground International is providing the ramp services and cargo processing.