During the peak sweet cherry season starting in June, freighter aircraft operations at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) experience a significant increase in activity over a 12-week period. Washington state, known for producing approximately 90% of the United States' sweet cherries, becomes a hub for export, particularly utilizing Boeing freighter aircraft.
John Perdoch, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' director of product marketing and the model leader for freighter aircraft, highlights the export of high-quality cherries, which can achieve retail prices of up to $40 per kg primarily in overseas markets. Annually, the Pacific Northwest exports about 40,000 tonnes of cherries, equivalent to the capacity of roughly 400 fully loaded 777 freighters, with SeaTac handling about half of this volume.
China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are noted as the primary destinations for these exports, with the goal of transitioning cherries from field to shelf within 48 hours to maintain quality. The perishable nature of cherries demands rapid transport to preserve their condition, making freighter aircraft an essential component of the supply chain. Perdoch explains that cherries, being sensitive to humidity, temperature, and physical damage, benefit from the freighter's ability to provide optimal conditions for transport. The Boeing 777 freighter, in particular, offers a high carrying density and individually controllable cargo compartments.
Furthermore, Boeing is in the process of launching the 777-8F model, which promises even greater capabilities for transporting perishable goods like cherries. This new model will feature larger cargo compartments, increased payload capacity, and enhanced environmental control systems, allowing for temperatures as low as 2 degrees Celsius. With a 99.7% schedule reliability, the Boeing freighter fleet remains a critical asset for exporters during the sweet cherry season, ensuring that these perishable goods reach international markets in optimal condition.
Source: aircargonews.net