SALT LAKE CITY — Delta Air Lines, in partnership with the Utah Inland Port Authority and Salt Lake City, will be investing up to $18 million to develop a state-of-the-art air cargo hub at Salt Lake City International Airport, the airline’s key Mountain West hub.
The new Delta Cargo facility, which will undergo a full renovation and modernization after having previously been occupied by the United States Postal Service, will replace Delta’s current air cargo home at SLC and will significantly improve cargo operations.
“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 – 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.”
“This project is a game changer for Utah’s air cargo infrastructure,” said Abby Osborne, Chair of the Utah Inland Port Authority. “It enhances our capacity, strengthens our supply chain, and keeps Utah-manufactured goods here in-state rather than rerouting through coastal gateways.”
The facility is scheduled to open in 2027. It will feature warehousing, refrigerated storage, shipping and receiving, administrative space, and a customer lobby. Cold-chain capabilities will support high-value, temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and perishables.
“Delta’s new cargo facility at Salt Lake City International Airport marks another key chapter in our partnership with the airline and I am confident this project will see benefits for Utah well into the future,” said Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox. “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 proud to be SLC’s largest global premium carrier, operating more flights out of SLC than all other carriers combined, with 255 peak-day departures to nearly 100 destinations across the globe, including Amsterdam, London and Paris.
“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 center. Now, this cargo facility is yet another investment that supports local businesses, deepens global connections, and builds resilient infrastructure for generations to come.”
This year, Delta added two brand new direct routes from SLC to Lima, Peru and Seoul, South Korea, each marking a historic moment as Delta continues to bring a more connected future to the city.
And late last year, Delta celebrated the grand opening of it its new, state-of-the art pilot training facility west of Salt Lake City International Airport, which represents its first full-motion flight simulator training facility investment outside of its Atlanta headquarters.
ABOUT UIPA:
As a state entity, UIPA has a unique role to coordinate a statewide economic development and logistics system to ensure long-term sustainability and statewide value. To learn more about UIPA project areas, developments and its members, visit www.inlandportauthority.utah.gov.
ABOUT DELTA CARGO:
Delta Cargo offers access to an industry-leading global network, reaching hundreds of destinations and carrying billions of cargo ton-miles each year. Whether it’s transporting life-saving pharmaceuticals, organs for transplant, fresh flowers, or seasonal produce, Delta Cargo’s strong product portfolio provides world- class service for every customer’s needs.
