Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) is witnessing a surge in freighter aircraft activity over a 12-week period starting in June, coinciding with the peak of the US sweet cherry season. Washington state, home to approximately 90% of the country’s sweet cherry production and aircraft manufacturer Boeing, sees a significant volume of its high-quality cherries exported during this time.
John Perdoch, Director of Product Marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes and model leader for freighter aircraft, highlights that the highest quality cherries are exported out of Washington due to their high retail value, fetching up to $40 per kg. He notes that around 40,000 tonnes of cherries are exported annually from the Pacific Northwest, equivalent to about 400 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighters, with about half of this volume handled through SeaTac.
International markets, particularly China, South Korea, and emerging markets in Southeast Asia, are the primary destinations for these exports, accounting for 20% of Washington’s cherry production. The cherries are expected to reach Asian markets within 48 hours from harvest, a faster turnaround than for domestic markets, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality during transport.
Perdoch explains that the perishable nature of cherries, sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, makes freighter aircraft essential for their transport. “Cherries are a very soft-skinned fruit, susceptible to physical damage, so minimal handling and optimal temperature and humidity controls are crucial to maintain their value,” he says.
Freighter aircraft, particularly the Boeing 777 freighter, are designed to meet these needs, offering high carrying density, precise temperature control, and minimal handling. The Boeing 777 freighter provides the highest carrying density on the market at 10.1 pounds per cubic foot and features cargo compartments that can be individually controlled within a 4-26 degrees Celsius range. This makes it ideal for transporting perishable goods like cherries.
Additionally, the aircraft’s maximum payload of 107 tonnes and a range of 5,000 nautical miles enable direct flights from the US to Asia without the need for stopovers, which is crucial for maintaining the freshness of the produce. The 777 freighter also boasts a high reliability rate of 99.7%, further ensuring timely delivery.
Freighter flights offer the flexibility to operate at optimal times for temperature-sensitive goods, often at night to reduce thermal load while on the ramp. Unlike passenger aircraft, which may have limited or no temperature-controlled cargo compartments, freighters can be routed directly to the necessary destinations without the constraints of passenger schedules.
Looking ahead, Boeing is launching the 777-8F freighter, which will enhance the transport of perishable products with increased payload capacity and improved environmental control systems. The 777-8F will offer additional cargo positions, more airflow per pallet position, and the capability to select compartment temperatures down to 2 degrees Celsius, catering to the critical 2-8 degrees Celsius perishable zone.
Perdoch describes these advancements as industry firsts, stating that the new freighter will also feature enhanced connectivity and visibility technologies to monitor the condition of the cargo throughout its journey, ensuring optimal transport conditions for perishable goods.
In summary, the cherry season significantly boosts freighter activity at SeaTac, with specialized aircraft playing a crucial role in maintaining the quality and timely delivery of Washington’s prized sweet cherries to global markets.