Amazon begins cargo flight operations at area airport

LAKELAND — Amazon on Thursday opened its newest regional air hub at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) in Lakeland, with the first flight arriving from Sacramento, Calif. 

According to a press release, the hub, which also includes an on-site package sorting area, will service Amazon’s larger-scale regional needs and create hundreds of jobs.

“We are excited to launch our Amazon Air operation at KLAL so we can continue to deliver the fast, free shipping our customers in Florida and across the country depend on during this time,” Amazon Global Air Vice President Sarah Rhoads states in the release. 

“I’m pleased to welcome Amazon Air as they begin operations at their new facility at Lakeland Linder International Airport,” Gov. Ron DeSantis states in the release. “This new location represents Amazon Air’s largest facility in the Southeast and will drive increased investment and commerce in the region and create hundreds of jobs. We look forward to collaborating with innovative companies such as Amazon to provide continued opportunities for growth and prosperity in our state.”