Amazon to Build Its Own $1.5 Billion Air Hub For Its Own Cargo Airline

Online giant Amazon has announced plans to build a $1.5 billion air hub to support its growing fleet of Prime Air cargo planes.

The new air cargo hub project will create more than 2,000 new jobs for people in Kentucky where the facility will be built.

Dave Clark, Amazon senior vice president of Worldwide Operations, declared that Hebron quickly rose to the top of the list when considering a place for the air hub because it has a large and educated workforce, a centralized location with great connectivity, and other advantages. According to Amazon, last year the company entered into agreements with two carriers to lease 40 cargo airplanes to support Prime members with fast and free shipping.

Today, 16 of those planes are in service for Amazon clients. Amazon's Prime Air hub will support its dedicated fleet of Prime Air cargo planes. Gov. Bevin stated that Kentucky's ideal location, skilled workforce and great shipping and logistics industry have been the backbone of the relationship with Amazon.

Full-time employees at Amazon get a good pay, health and disability insurance, retirement savings plans and company stock. Amazon also offers up to 20 weeks of paid leave and innovative benefits which help new parents. 

Amazon has launched many positive initiatives to ensure great delivery speeds and supply chain capacity for its clients. One example is Amazon Flex, which is a mobile application that allows individuals to sign-up, be vetted and begin delivering for Amazon. 

The company plans to offer job opportunities at any Amazon site across the US. Recently, Amazon announced plans to keep growing and create more than 100,000 jobs over the next 18 months.

The online giant's Prime Now has also recently introduced a one- to two-hour delivery of thousands of fresh, local grocery products which includes wine and beer from New Seasons Market to Seattle.