Delta Air Lines has announced plans to invest up to $18 million to establish a new state-of-the-art cargo hub at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), in partnership with the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and Salt Lake City.

The new facility, set to open in 2027, will replace Delta’s existing cargo operations at SLC and transform a former United States Postal Service site into a modern air freight complex.

It will feature warehousing, refrigerated storage, shipping and receiving zones, administrative offices, and a customer lobby.

The addition of cold-chain capabilities will enable the handling of temperature-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals and perishables.

“Delta is proud to partner with the UIPA and Salt Lake City International Airport to strengthen our cargo operations and better serve our customers in Utah and beyond,” said Peter Penseel, senior vice president at Delta Cargo.

“Transforming the former USPS facility into a modern cargo hub reflects our long-term commitment to Salt Lake City and the role it plays in our global network.”

Abby Osborne, chair of the Utah Inland Port Authority, described the project as “a game changer for Utah’s air cargo infrastructure,” adding that it “enhances our capacity, strengthens our supply chain, and keeps Utah-manufactured goods here in-state rather than rerouting through coastal gateways.”

Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox praised the investment as a major milestone for the state’s logistics ecosystem: “Delta has long been a key part of Utah’s economy and a vital catalyst in our state’s continued growth. This investment not only strengthens our state’s role in the global supply chain but also creates new opportunities for businesses and communities across Utah.”

Delta is the largest global carrier operating from Salt Lake City, with 255 peak-day departures to nearly 100 destinations worldwide, including Amsterdam, London and Paris. The airline has also expanded its network this year with new direct services from SLC to Lima, Peru and Seoul, South Korea.

“Delta’s footprint in Salt Lake City is like their partnership with us – it just keeps growing,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.

“Over the past year alone, they’ve added additional gates, nonstop routes, and a pilot training centre. Now, this cargo facility is yet another investment that supports local businesses, deepens global connections, and builds resilient infrastructure for generations to come.”

In late 2024, Delta also opened its first full-motion flight simulator training facility outside Atlanta, located west of SLC International Airport, marking another strategic expansion in Utah.

READ MORE NEWS: Delta Cargo adds two new Pharma stations to its network