Pittsburgh International Airport’s capacity to handle cargo from around the world is about to get a whole lot bigger.

Crews broke ground on a new 77,000 square-foot facility that will allow much-needed space for cargo expansion and introduce new technology and cargo handling capabilities to PIT.

Scheduled to open in 2024, Cargo 4 will enhance the airport’s ability to accept freight from abroad and distribute it throughout the United States and North America, making Western Pennsylvania more competitive in a rapidly growing industry and positioning the airport as a gateway for international logistics. The new facility will generate an estimated annual economic impact of $229 million for the region.

The Cargo 4 project is being funded in part through the U.S Department of Transportation’s BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) program, which supports investments in transportation infrastructure. In November 2019, the agency awarded an $18.69 million grant to PIT to support the construction of the facility on the northwest side of the airfield. Earlier this year, the agency awarded an additional $5.8 million to support the project.

The facility will include 69,000 square feet of warehouse space and 7,300 square feet of office space across two floors. The building will feature 17 loading docks for trucks; most will come with dock levelers while others will be used specifically for Unit Loading Devices (ULDs). Flatbed trucks will be able to access the interior of the warehouse with a dedicated loading dock, which is advantageous in poor weather.

Dedicated areas in the facility will be able to segregate goods deemed valuable, vulnerable or hazardous. It will also have expansion capabilities to hold more equipment for special cargo and accommodate temperature-controlled goods. In addition, the building’s design includes additional space for security screening, particularly for international cargo.

The facility will have the ability to handle any cargo aircraft flying today. Its expanded apron will be able to serve two Boeing 747-8 Freighters side by side, or up to four Boeing 757-200s at once.

More cargo passed through Pittsburgh International Airport last year than at any point since 2004.

About Allegheny County Airport Authority:

Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC), is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader. PIT was named by Fast Company magazine as One of the Most Innovative Companies in the World as well as a finalist in its World Changing Ideas awards, both in 2020.

PIT’s first-of-its-kind microgrid has won numerous awards for resiliency and sustainability. At the same time, PIT’s cargo has surged as the industry has recognized its ample space and ease of use which translates into one of the fastest and most efficient cargo operations in the industry. For more information, visit www.flypittsburgh.com.