HUNTSVILLE, Alabama, airport's east runway and adjacent taxiways have been opened after crews completed a nine-month US$16.57 million job to accommodate Panalpina's 747-8 freighters.

"A major benefit is that we use less congested airports, such as Huntsville, to offer faster turnaround and to reduce delays," said Panalpina air freight chief Matthew Frey.

"Now that we can also use the second runway, distance and time is reduced even further," he said.

Huntsville International Airport's upgrade features expanded paved shoulders, wider full-strength pavement, and eco-friendly LED lighting and signage, reported the Huntsville Times.

A $15.75 million discretionary grant from the Federal Aviation Administration announced in fall 2013 funded the bulk of the project. The airport used passenger facility charges, which airlines funnel back to the airport, to match 10 per cent of the renovations.