St. Louis airport to get boost in U.S.-Mexico trade

Bi-National Gateway Terminal has taken a 20-year lease on 49 acres at the edge of one of the airport’s four runways, where it will construct a major cargo-handling facility.    St. Louis International Airport expects to gain an increase in trade between Mexico and the United States with the launch of a new international gateway.
   Bi-National Gateway Terminal has taken a 20-year lease on a 49-acre site on the edge of one of the airport’s four runways, where it will construct a major cargo-handling facility. Upon completion, the terminal will serve multimodal cargo needs and be equipped to handle perishables, live animals, high-value shipments, express and general cargo with an initial focus on Mexico and Latin America, the airport said.
   “In addition to developing the new terminal facilities, we are working closely with the Mexican authorities to introduce fast–track pre-clearance and security functions for exports from the USA,” said Ricardo Nicolopulos, president of Bi-National Cargo Terminal, in a statement. “Once approved, this pre-clearance system will expedite import traffic into Mexico. Eventually, however, it will also enable Mexico to export by air in a more reliable and efficient manner that will enhance the country’s position as a trade partner for the world.”
   Construction on the terminal will start this summer and phase one will be finished within 30 months. The facility will consist of about 500,000 square feet of terminal and 1 million square feet of cargo ramp.