Cargo volumes at Seattle Tacoma International Airport have increased by 1.7 per cent to 332,636 tonnes, the fourth consecutive rise.

Seattle Tacoma’s operator, Port of Seattle, says international freight increased by 7.1 per cent to 115,357 tonnes, helped by investing $20 million to attract large freighters. It says 2015 was the first year when it handled over 1,000 large freighters, including 175 Boeing 747-8 Freighters and 20 Antonov AN-124s. Freighter aircraft carry 54.5 per cent of Seattle’s freight traffic.

Port Commissioner, Tom Albro says: “This growth rate is nearly double what we saw in 2014 – 7.7 per cent [for all operations] – and continues to reflect the importance of air travel and cargo to our region’s economy.”

“Our success, however, also highlights the urgency in planning for expanded facilities to meet this growing demand. We are committed to engaging the public and stakeholders in this critical effort.”