February 17, 2026 – La Fortaleza, Puerto Rico – Governor Jenniffer González-Colón today announced the release of the report “Puerto Rico: Information on Air Cargo Infrastructure and Operations” by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report was issued pursuant to a provision included in the federal Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 following an amendment spearheaded by then-Resident Commissioner González-Colón.
The legislative provision, introduced during her tenure in Congress while serving as a member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, sought to secure a comprehensive analysis of Puerto Rico’s opportunities and needs to strengthen its air cargo infrastructure.
According to the report, total air cargo volume across Puerto Rico’s three international airports reached 621 million pounds in 2024, with significant growth recorded at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Approximately half of the outbound cargo from Puerto Rico is health-related, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices—strategic sectors that are vital to both the Island’s economy and U.S. national security.
Governor González Colón emphasized that air cargo remains a fast, secure, and essential transportation mechanism for high-value industries, particularly pharmaceuticals and medical devices, which are pillars of Puerto Rico’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
“Strengthening our air cargo infrastructure is critical to advancing President Trump’s America First agenda and the reshoring initiatives our administration has aggressively championed. Puerto Rico has the potential to become the leading pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution hub under U.S. jurisdiction,” the Governor stated.
The GAO report also identifies key areas of opportunity, including warehouse upgrades, expansion of cold storage capacity, and enhanced operational capabilities—such as additional federal cargo inspection personnel—all of which are essential to sustain projected growth.
The Governor’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to working in close coordination with the private sector, airport authorities, and federal agencies to implement the report’s recommendations and further position Puerto Rico as a strategic logistics and manufacturing hub for the nation.
“The GAO report validates the importance of continuing to invest strategically in our air cargo infrastructure. This study provides concrete data to identify where we must reinforce capacity, modernize facilities, and concentrate resources to accelerate Puerto Rico’s economic growth. We now have a clear roadmap. The responsibility before us is to execute with determination and urgency,” the Governor concluded.
