Pittsburgh International Airport breaks ground on new cargo facility

The $1.3 billion upgrade to Pittsburgh International Airport is well underway, and crews broke ground Thursday on a new cargo facility that will expand the airport’s already growing cargo traffic.

Crews began work on Cargo 4, a 77,000 square-foot facility that will expand the airport’s cargo capacity and introduce new technology and cargo handling capabilities, according to the Allegheny County Airport Authority. It will include 17 loading docks and have expansion capabilities to hold more equipment for special cargo and accommodate temperature-controlled goods.

Cargo traffic has been increasing steadily at the airport over the years, and last year had the largest cargo haul of any year since 2004.

Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said Cargo 4 will provide a major step towards growing the airport in an international logistics center

“Cargo continues to be a major focus for us, and the downstream economic benefits are substantial for the region,” said Cassotis. “We are appreciative that our federal officials understand the importance of air cargo as national critical infrastructure.”

Cargo 4 is scheduled to open in 2024, and the authority said it is projected to generate an estimated annual economic impact of $229 million for the region. The project is being funded partially through a U.S Department of Transportation program. The airport has received more than $24 million in federal funding for the cargo project.

The region around the airport, known as the Airport Corridor, has seen rapid economic expansion over the years, including many logistical centers. This has also led to a corresponding growth in population for the area.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said the expansion of cargo at the airport will only continue this momentum.

“The expansion of cargo at Pittsburgh International Airport continues to be another example of the strong and growing economy of our region,” said Fitzgerald. “More cargo means more jobs, and I thank our federal delegation for their work in securing the grant that helped get this project to where we are today.”