{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","contentId":"00000190-13ab-d657-adf7-53efabad0001","url":"https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-air-plane-photo-tour","headline":"Behind the scenes: Amazon’s airborne delivery system in 14 photos","description":"Follow along as Amazon Air General Manager, Marchel Sebacuzi, gives an exclusive tour of an Amazon Air hub.","datePublished":"2024-06-18T15:00:00Z","dateModified":"2024-08-27T23:10:07.616Z","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Cosette Jarrett","url":"https://www.aboutamazon.com/author/cosette-jarrett","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/745bd7e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/601x601+0+0/resize/84x84!/grayscale/true/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F6b%2F8e%2F4fea8f96454bb8664625b2c4479b%2Fbio.jpg","width":"84","height":"84"}}],"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/2711ec5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2151x1434+200+0/resize/300x200!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fd0%2Fa2%2F40ea55214df78a534364fb9c100f%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature001-amazon-amazonair-zsc-9925-copy-2550x1434.jpg","width":"300","height":"200"},"articleBody":"![An image of a plane in flight. The decals on the plan say \"Prime Air\" in blue lettering with a light blue and navy blue design around the tail and the belly. There is a white Amazon smile logo on the tail of the plane.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/2711ec5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2151x1434+200+0/resize/300x200!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fd0%2Fa2%2F40ea55214df78a534364fb9c100f%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature001-amazon-amazonair-zsc-9925-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\n# Behind the scenes: Amazon’s airborne delivery system in 14 photos\n\n*Follow along as Amazon Air General Manager, Marchel Sebacuzi, gives an exclusive tour of an Amazon Air hub. *\n\nHave you ever wondered how Amazon is able to facilitate fast deliveries to customers all over the world?  While there are a lot of moving pieces involved in delivering your packages quickly, one important component is the Amazon Air program, which uses planes to connect packages to delivery destinations around the world.\n\n![A Prime Air aircraft flies through the sky.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/b5a67da/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1620x1080+300+0/resize/300x200!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F63%2F94%2F6bf55e16470380cbee556828998c%2Fhero-plane-2.jpg)\n\n- [Amazon Air adds 10 Airbus A330-300s to its global fleet](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-air-adds-10-airbus-a330-300s-to-its-global-fleet)\n\nAmazon Air operates a fleet of aircraft that fly to more than 70 destinations around the world. Some of these gateways and hubs are able to ship more than 450,000 packages on 12+ planes daily. Each flight requires an incredible team effort where highly trained employees work together to safely pack Amazon orders for customers all over the globe.\n\n### Keep reading for an inside look at how Amazon Air works.\n\nWe went behind the scenes with Amazon Air General Manager, Marchel Sebacuzi, to watch as his team processed thousands of Amazon orders. Sebacuzi has worked with Amazon for nine years, and is currently responsible for operations at Amazon’s air hub in Fort Worth, Texas, which is one of the network’s largest hubs with more than 1,500 employees.\n\n![Marchel Sebacuzi working on a laptop in a conference room at the Amazon Air Hub in Dallas-Fort Worth](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/cd207a0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F3c%2F56%2Fd4c5fa4943fea4ce6dfedb3824d5%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature002-amazon-amazonair-zsc-0332-copy-v2-2550x1434-1.jpg)\n\nOur first stop on the tour was seeing the line-haul trucks that bring packages into the facility to be processed.\n \n\n![An image of a line of semi truck trailers lined up in a row at an Amazon Air hub. The trailers are light blue with white lettering that says \"Prime\" and large white Amazon smile logos.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/3420442/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Ffc%2F31%2F4b3ce7c041cf9b83b5ed2dd47474%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature003-amazon-amazonair-zsc-0068-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nNext up, we went inside the facility to see how packages are sorted and processed. The facility uses advanced robotics systems to help employees determine where each package is going and route it to the right plane.\n\n![An image of Amazon boxes lined up on a conveyer belt. They are heading down the line to be processed in an Amazon Air facility.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/0674a8a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F35%2F82%2F0989b2fc4cd79bd017a3b9aa2e9a%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature004-amazon-amazonair-zsc-0084-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nThe packages are then loaded into large metal containers called Unit Load Devices (ULDs) that will hold them in place on the aircraft. The ULDs are contoured to fit perfectly inside the plane, and can hold hundreds of packages.\n \n\n![An image from inside an Amazon Air hub. The photo shows big, silver containers stationed on a metal platform. The platform has a series of wheels, locks, and bumps that guide the containers when they move. The containers each have big, white labels on them with the Amazon logo and various codes that denote what's in them.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/0917c24/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fa8%2F55%2F44a015234b3a83f10199209e14bf%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature005-amazon-amazonair-zsc-0292-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nOnce the packages are in place, the ULDs are loaded onto a truck and carried out to the runway. Fun fact: some of the trucks (technically called “tugs”) that carry the ULDs are electric powered to help reduce the impact of our operations.\n\n![A large vehicle outside of the Amazon Air Hub. There is someone steering the vehicle from a cockpit station. The vehicle is used to carry big, metal containers carrying Amazon packages.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/7897e6a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F6a%2F8e%2F124f7d89430280fb9e3f47d42d5e%2Fabout-amazon-feature-archive010-amazon-lab126-dsc-3853-5769x3838.jpg)\n\n![An image of a small vehicle used to move packages. It is on a charger at a charging station at an Amazon Air Hub.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/deb9a8d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Faa%2F25%2F32de3de148b99bd20a0b3ed5f8a9%2Fabout-amazon-feature-amazon-air-vehicle-charging.jpg)\n\nA team on the apron—the parking pad next to the runway—receives the ULDs, then uses an electric-powered, heavy-duty lift called a K-loader to raise them up to the cargo bay. From there, employees guide them into the proper place on the plane. Each plane can hold 12 to 39 ULDs depending on its size. \n\n![An image of a light blue Amazon Air plane. The door on the side of the plane is open and employees are loading a large, silver container inside the plane. There are several lifts and stair sets attached to the open doors on the plane for employees to access the inside and load it with containers carrying Amazon packages.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/95858a6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fe4%2Ff3%2F22f912ee461b9df120b7fdfcab26%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature006-amazon-amazonair-dsc-3733-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nSebacuzi took us inside an empty plane so we could see the loading configurations that help slide the ULDs into the proper placement on the plane and secure them during the flight.\n\n![The inside of an Amazon Air plane. There are various metal lock systems, wheels, and bumps on the floor that help guide the containers inside.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/26b41e9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1057x395+145+484/resize/767x286!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F23%2F3f%2F4d332eeb4fe7b080697efd70995e%2Fabout-amazon-inline-feature007-amazon-amazonair-dsc-3910-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nSome smaller packages require a different approach to make sure they remain intact throughout the journey. These items are packed into large bags and stored underneath the plane[](#_msocom_17)in the cargo hold, much like your checked luggage would be loaded onto a commercial passenger flight.\n\n![An image of an Amazon Air plane parked outside of the Air Hub. The back of the plane is featured in this image, showing a car pulled up to the plane and using a mobile conveyer belt to load large bags into the belly of the plane.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/e1a2a07/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fe8%2Fe0%2F86c3f2d743eb8296145bd92a5b94%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature008-amazon-amazonair-dsc-4744-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nThere are multiple steps to the packing process to make sure the packages get on the aircraft safely. Amazon Air Hub employees go through robust process training to make sure they’re prepared for the first day. Sebacuzi showed us a mock door that employees use to train on the process of unloading and loading a plane. The training door is appropriately named “The Sail Boat,” as it looks like a big ship sail.\n\n![An image of a large, blue structure that looks like a door on the side of the plane. The structure is parked in a cement area outside of the Amazon Air Hub.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/078b27c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1600x900+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Ff0%2Fa2%2Fbf2c58694f79bf3ebb83309b7d87%2Fabout-amazon-inline-feature009-amazon-amazonair-zsc-0356-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nOnce the plane is loaded, employees run a thorough safety inspection to make sure all packages are secure for the journey. Safety is a top priority. Employees go to a rigorous safety school during their onboarding, and they also have access to a network of support to make sure they’re taking all the right safety measures for every flight. If an employee sees something amiss during their safety inspection, we stop operations and resolve the issue immediately.\n\n![An image of an Amazon Air plane parked outside of an Amazon Air hub. There are various vehicles parked around the plane with employees working on different areas. ](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/6fe19a1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F90%2F21%2Ff923bb1940fdb37359e4857ba5dc%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature010-amazon-amazonair-zsc-0045-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nOnce the aircraft is cleared for departure, employees push the plane back with a super strong vehicle called a pushback tractor. The tractor can lift and push a whopping 250 tons  with ease.\n\n![An image of an Amazon Air plane parked outside on an air hub. There is a small car pushing the plane back onto the taxiway. ](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/3b9ef51/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F9e%2F5c%2Fa43df57f4d82b01c84635512cb95%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature011-amazon-amazonair-dsc-3827-copy-2550x1434.jpg)\n\n![A photo showing half of an Amazon Air plane with a long, flat vehicle parked in front of it. The vehicle will eventually be used to push the plane back onto the taxiway.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/803f4a3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F66%2F92%2F8373f7f2462d9ac25691c3da4a65%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature012-amazon-amazonair-feature011-amazon-amazonair-zsc-0020-copy-2550x1434-2550x1434.jpg)\n\nAfter pushback, the pilot prepares for takeoff to the next destination. An aircraft control team carefully monitors flights to maintain visibility of your packages throughout their air journey. \n\n![An image of an Amazon Air plan getting ready for takeoff. It is sitting on the runway in a large field. The plane is white with blue writing that says \"Prime Air.\"](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/bfd651b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1600x900+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Ff2%2F19%2Fb7ab3f534250979d99db7b578578%2Fabout-amazon-inline-archive081-amazon-lab126-zsc-9831-5959x3965.jpg)\n\nOnce the control tower gives the go ahead, the plane takes off, carrying the packages 35,000 feet in the air and on their way to customers’ doorsteps.\n\n \n\n![An image of an Amazon Air plane taking off and just leaving the ground from the runway. The plane is white with blue writing that says \"Prime Air\" and a white Amazon smile logo on the tail. There is a white building in the background.](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/61c89e7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2550x1434+0+0/resize/767x431!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2F5d%2F35%2F3133a4c44671bad6f34615343c43%2Fabout-amazon-feature-feature014-amazon-amazonair-zsc-9914-copy-2550x1434-copy.jpg)\n\nWant to learn more about Amazon Air? [Check out some of the new planes that carry your packages through the Amazon Air network.](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-air-adds-10-airbus-a330-300s-to-its-global-fleet)","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"About Amazon","url":"https://www.aboutamazon.com","sameAs":["https://x.com/amazonnews","https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazon","https://www.instagram.com/amazonnews"],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://assets.aboutamazon.com/bd/8f/88e7b0314cc2bd05b9de3155a0fe/amazon-news.svg"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Amazon","url":"https://www.amazon.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3884","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_(company)","https://x.com/Amazon"]}}}