Atlas Air, the world’s largest operator of Boeing 747 cargo jets, is relocating to a larger operations base at Miami International Airport (MIA), consolidating its South Florida operations to support growing global demand.
The company, already MIA’s largest cargo carrier with more than 500,000 tons of freight moved annually, has outgrown its scattered warehouse spaces around the airport. The new facility brings all import, export, and cargo handling operations under one roof, with dedicated aircraft parking directly adjacent to the building for faster, more efficient transfers.
A key feature of the expanded site is a 124,000-square-foot refrigerated room – the largest on-airport cold storage facility in North America – with direct ramp access to aircraft. The cooler will serve the region’s growing trade in pharmaceuticals and perishables.
The new facility is located near major aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, helping minimize downtime for inspections and mechanical work. “Having dedicated aircraft parking, warehousing, and a world-class airside cooler will further enable us to deliver superior services to our customers,” said Atlas Air CEO Michael Steen.
Miami International Airport is the seventh-busiest airport globally for cargo traffic, moving a record 2.78 tons in 2023. MIA also serves as the country’s primary gateway for air trade with Latin America.
Atlas Air’s South Florida presence also includes a flight training center and commercial office in Miami. The company is separately planning a significant expansion in Anchorage, Alaska, to boost capacity for trans-Pacific operations.
