LATAM Cargo spreads its wings in Europe as it looks to avoid airport congestion

LATAM Cargo has added new B767 freighter services from South America to Brussels and Madrid in order to meet growing demand and avoid congestion at European airports.
The airline said that following the launch of the new services it will offer calls at four European airport destinations instead of two previously (Schiphol and Frankfurt).
It added that it is considering expanding its European operations in the future.
“The decision came in response to the region’s growing demand as well as the need to provide alternatives to avoid the rising congestion levels at European airports,” the airline said.
It selected Brussels because of its ability to absorb growing pharma traffic and its CEIV certification.
The company also plans to carry other kinds of merchandise on its two weekly flights from Viracopos to the European airport.
Local reports suggest the two calls at Brussels moved over from Schiphol because of congestion at the Netherlands hub.
Meanwhile, the Madrid market has seen an increase in the transportation of traditional industrial products, as well as other services like parcel delivery, e-commerce and textiles, all of which require expanded capacity and just-in-time logistics.
The Madrid service will also operate twice per week with calls in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile.
Guido Henke, senior commercial director – Europe, said: “Our strategy in Europe seeks to strengthen our network and position us as the leader in airfreight service to South America.
“We are very optimistic about our new direct freight routes from Brussels and Madrid. And our customers’ enthusiastic response has led us to consider the possibility of increasing our current schedule.”
Claudio Torres, international commercial director – South America, added: “By expanding our network we are in a position to offer more and better alternatives to our customers.
“This is particularly important for the South American market, where we export fresh, temperature-sensitive products that require shorter transportation periods.”
LATAM Cargo offers six daily cargo departures onboard its passenger fleet from various European cities in addition to its freighter operation.
The airline recently sold two of its B777F aircraft to Atlas Air. However, in May next year, it will recover a LATAM Cargo B767 freighter that had been leased to another operator and has three B767 converted freighters on order to be delivered in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
By the time the last aircraft is delivered, its freighter fleet will stand at 12 B767Fs.
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