Airport CEO Candace McGraw says new Amazon hub “perfect”; Adkisson predicts it will prove “transformational”

Photo courtesy: Amazon

Kentucky Chamber member Amazon announced Tuesday they plan to build a $1.49 billion shipping hub over several years to serve its fleet of Prime Air planes at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) in Hebron, creating 2,700 full- and part-time jobs.

The announcement of Amazon’s Prime Air hub expands on the company’s presence in Kentucky as it currently employs more than 10,000 full-time team members at several fulfillment center locations in the state.

CVG’s Chief Executive Officer Candace McGraw, a Kentucky Chamber board member, said Amazon and the airport make a great match.

“The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the perfect home for Amazon’s new shipping hub. From here, the company will be able to quickly and reliably reach its customers around the world,” McGraw said in a statement. “We’ve worked hard to continue diversifying the airport’s revenue streams through targeted cargo and other means, and we are thrilled to partner with Amazon in this new endeavor. In addition to benefitting the company and its customers, Amazon Prime Air will further distinguish CVG and bring significant growth to the region.”

The Kentucky Chamber reacted to the news with excitement noting the incredible impact it is expected to have on the state’s economy through investment and the creation of jobs.

“This has the makings of a transformational event for Northern Kentucky….for the thousands of direct and indirect employees, for the region, for the airport and for Kentucky.  Just look at what UPS has done for Louisville and Toyota has done for the Bluegrass region.  It could be that transformational,” Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson said.

In a statement about the announcement Tuesday, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin said he expects the Amazon shipping hub to “revolutionize the fulfillment industry worldwide.”

“Kentucky’s ideal location, proven workforce and an already extensive shipping and logistics industry have been the backbone of our relationship with Amazon for nearly 20 years. This new project will pay dividends to both the company and our state, and we are truly grateful for the jobs and economic impact it will bring to the commonwealth,” Bevin said.