Amazon Air, through a LinkedIn post, said that it is officially open for business. The announcement confirms that Amazon Air is now selling cargo capacity on its aircraft to third parties, including ad hoc and charter services.
The carrier will be serving domestic networks across North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA), and Asia.
“Built on the backbone of Amazon’s world-class logistics network, we’re ready to handle, transport, and deliver your goods safely, securely, and efficiently—on time, every day,” the company claimed.
The carrier, which operates more than 250 daily flights, including those of partner airlines, will be offering space on over 100 aircraft. In addition, the company will provide ad hoc, charter, or blocked space services. Amazon Air’s fleet, which includes Boeing 737, Boeing 767, and Airbus A330 aircraft, is equipped to handle various cargo types, such as general freight, pharmaceuticals, perishables, dangerous goods, and parcels.
According to its website, Amazon Air has already supported companies like Airblox, Apex Logistics, and Naniq Global Logistics. In a statement to Air Cargo News, Amazon said, “We’re always working to develop innovative logistics solutions that support Amazon customers. Amazon Air Cargo has been offering third-party shippers access to Amazon’s logistics network since 2019, providing reliable and speedy air shipments. We’re excited to now expand these services to more cargo customers.”
The move to expand into third-party selling had been anticipated for some time. Bloomberg first reported in January last year that Amazon was exploring a deeper entry into the air cargo market. The company began selling backhaul space on flights to Hawaii and Alaska, transporting goods like pineapples and salmon. A 2021 report by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development predicted Amazon would focus on retailer-to-consumer shipments without attempting to replicate the full-service logistics networks of FedEx and UPS.
It remains unclear if this expansion is a long-term strategy to compete directly with FedEx and UPS or a temporary measure to utilize spare capacity. The e-commerce slowdown after the COVID pandemic prompted Amazon to scale back its fleet growth as it adjusted to lower demand. However, the company has recently added new deals, strengthening partnerships with ATSG and Sun Country Airlines. At the same time, Amazon faces competition from Chinese e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein, which ship directly from Asia without relying on a network of warehouses.
In early 2024, Amazon reduced its daily flights, dropping to 202 in February from 205 the previous year, as it streamlined its operations by focusing on fewer airports and creating a more hub-and-spoke network, similar to those of UPS and FedEx.
