PORT OF SEATTLE
MEMORANDUM
COMMISSION AGENDA – STAFF BRIEFING
Item No.
7a
Date of Meeting
Date of Meeting
September 12, 2011
DATE: September 2, 2011
TO: Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
FROM: Michael Ehl, Director, Airport Operations
Tom Green, Senior Manager, Air Cargo Operations and Development
SUBJECT: Air Cargo Logistics Development Strategy Briefing
BACKGROUND:
The air cargo business at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Airport) supports the mission of the Port
of Seattle to create regional economic vitality. The Port owns and operates the Airport, a major
geographic gateway connecting passengers and cargo to the world by air.
Air cargo operations at the Airport support the Port’s regional economic development initiatives by
providing the businesses of Seattle, King County and Washington State with cost-effective air access to
the global supply/distribution system, and by generating airside and landside revenue through the
development of logistics-related services. The air cargo logistics industry, together with the export-
oriented regional manufacturers and producers it supports, is an important job-creating economic force.
On February 22, 2011, airport staff briefed the Commission on the fundamentals of the air cargo
industry and provided a background discussion of the facilities, operations, customers and regional value
of the Port’s air cargo services. Staff also discussed the current trend at many gateway airports of
actively supporting development of facilities for the logistics supply chain industry, and described
opportunities for the Airport to leverage its off-airfield properties in a similar manner.
As part of the Century Agenda, a “Moving Cargo” roundtable was held on June 7, 2011, which
produced preliminary goals calling for strong air cargo growth over the next 25 years and for positioning
the region as a premier international logistics hub.
BRIEFING SYNOPSIS:
The Airport’s air cargo focus is comprised of three initiatives:
Air service marketing and business development;
On-Airport capital facilities renovation and development; and
Off-Airport logistics support facilities development.
COMMISSION AGENDA
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
September 2, 2011
Page 2 of 2
Each will be discussed in today’s staff briefing with the emphasis on further detailing off-airport
logistics facilities development on Port-owned property in the cities of SeaTac and Burien.
OTHER DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS BRIEFING:
PowerPoint presentation.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS:
September 6, 2007 – Air cargo strategy briefing addressed how best to ensure sufficient airfield and
off-airfield capacity to accommodate expected growth in demand for international and domestic air
cargo service.
February 22, 2011 – Air cargo operations and development briefing addressed the facilities,
operations, customers and regional value of the Port’s air cargo services, and described the strategic
growth strategy, on and off the airfield.
June 7, 2011 – Approval of the Century Agenda Committee’s preliminary goals for “Moving
Cargo,” and approval of a refined Century Agenda goal for “Fostering Economic Growth.”
July 12, 2011 – Approval of the Century Agenda Committee’s preliminary goals for “Moving
People.” Included overview of “Moving Cargo” strategic goals and milestones, and the following
considerations: Capacity enhancements, facilities, associated development, and freight mobility.
