a major gateway for Latin American goods

THE Mississippi Gulf Coast will soon be a major gateway for Latin American goods if plans for the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport pan out, according to an ABC News report.

The airport authority held a topping out ceremony for its new US$10 million air cargo building, which is set to open in February. The 40,000-square foot facility will include space for chilling perishable goods such as vegetables, flowers and seafood brought in from Central and South America.

Airport officials say 140 jobs will be created by the 12 businesses expected to locate at the facility. One of those businesses is Gulf Coast International Cargo, which now has to ship products through Miami.

"Get the product quicker and faster so we can get it to the market that much quicker," said Gulf Coast International Cargo president Mike Alise, repeating the promotional mantra for the endeavour.

"A lot of time in Miami you can order something on Monday, and hopefully by Thursday or Friday that same week the product has come in. If we order a fish on Monday morning, by Monday night that fish will be landing here in Gulfport by plane," he promised.

Airport officials say other projects include building a $22 million ramp and taxi way for the air cargo facility, and $20 million for a general aviation ramp and taxi way.