New direct service eliminates need for transshipment through other Brazilian gateways, cutting logistics costs and supporting LATAM’s strategic expansion of 15 additional weekly frequencies between Europe and South America.
Santiago, Chile-headquartered LATAM Cargo Group is to commence weekly freighter flights between Brussels and southeastern Brazil’s São José dos Campos on 2 October, doubling the frequency once the winter season starts.
The new flights are projected to move around 50 tons of cargo per week, including industrial products, auto parts and consumer goods. Most of these shipments will end their journey in São José dos Campos, although cargo can also be redistributed from there to nearby cities.
Previously, cargo bound for São José dos Campos had to fly via other Brazilian airports such as Guarulhos (São Pauo) or Viracopos (Campinas), and then complete its journey by land.
The direct flights will reduce transit time and associated costs, and are part of LATAM’s recently announced expansion plan, which includes an increase of 15 weekly frequencies between Europe and South America.
“With this new route, we reinforce our position as the cargo operator with the most robust and flexible network between Europe and South America. São José dos Campos is a key industrial hub, and our value proposition aims to directly meet customer needs by providing more agile and competitive transport solutions,” said Matias Cortina, commercial cargo director for Europe at LATAM Airlines Group.
The carrier noted São José dos Campos airport’s “strategic” location in the heart of the Vale do Paraíba, the second-largest industrial cluster in Brazil and close to the main production centres of São Paulo.
Industries such as aeronautics, automotives, electronics and high technology benefit from LATAM’s Miami cargo service to São José dos Campos, inaugurated in 2023 and now operating three times a week.
LATAM Airlines Group was among the top 25 cargo airlines in 2024, according to IATA. Perishables, pharma, automotives and electronics helped the group increase volumes as it built capacity on the Latin America–Europe trade lane.
By the end of last year, the airline had 21 freighters, including 767-300Fs and 767-300P2Fs.
