Amazon.com has announced the shutdown of its air cargo facility at San Antonio Lackland by April 10, 2024, as part of a strategic decision to consolidate its logistics operations in Texas. This move is set to affect approximately 65 employees working under the ground handling contractor Worldwide Flight Services Inc. (WFS), leading to layoffs. The decision comes as Amazon aims to optimize its delivery network and focus on its three other air hubs located in Texas: Austin-Bergstrom International, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston Intercontinental.
Opened in 2021, the San Antonio facility’s closure marks a significant shift in Amazon’s air cargo strategy within the state. Amanda Gayles, Vice President of WFS, indicated that the closure is expected to be permanent, affecting all its employees stationed at Kelly Field.
Amazon spokesperson Sam Stephenson assured that this operational change is part of Amazon’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer service efficiency and that it will not affect delivery services in the San Antonio area. Stephenson also highlighted the continued partnership with Worldwide Flight Services across other locations, underscoring the importance of strategic collaborations in Amazon’s logistics framework.
This consolidation move may necessitate operational adjustments for Atlas Air, which has been primarily serving the San Antonio Lakeland route with B737-800(BCF) aircraft on behalf of Amazon. The closure of the San Antonio air cargo operation follows Amazon’s recent logistical restructurings, including ending daily flights to Wichita Eisenhower in April 2023 and closing its sole regional air cargo hub in Europe at Leipzig/Halle in September.
Amazon continues to work closely with its air cargo partners, including ABX Air, ATI – Air Transport International, Atlas Air, Cargojet Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines, to maintain an efficient and responsive delivery network across North America.
