LATAM Cargo Group is increasing frequencies to Europe and the U.S. to mitigate the effects caused by reduced belly capacity in passenger aircraft grounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company announced April 13 it will maximize the use of its entire cargo fleet, comprising ten Boeing 767-300Fs and four 777Fs.
LATAM Cargo Group is adding a seventh weekly frequency from South America to Amsterdam, with a return route to originate in Frankfurt. LATAM Cargo’s entire operations between South America and Europe are now at 40% higher level than pre-pandemic.
“The dramatic reduction of passenger operations has significantly impacted the range of air transportation options available to our clients,” LATAM Cargo Group CEO Andrés Bianchi said. “In order to support all supply chains, and very specifically those dealing with aid and relief, we are focusing on adding more capacity on critical routes.”
Amsterdam is now positioned as the main point of entry to the European continent for the LATAM Cargo Group.
Exports from Latin America include perishable products coming from Brazil, Chile, Guatemala and Peru. The route is available to all interested exporters, LATAM Cargo said. The return flight from Frankfurt will transport medical equipment and supplies, electronics, auto parts, general cargo and other types of shipments.
LATAM Cargo Group is diversifying its point of entry to South America region by incorporating São Paolo Guarulhos airport (GRU) for three of its weekly frequencies from Europe. It is also incorporating connecting freighter flights at GRU.
In its adjustments between North and South America, LATAM Cargo has upped its connections between Miami and South America by 15%, going from 23 to 26 weekly frequencies.The carrier has also added new cargo services between South America and Los Angeles and Mexico City. In a boost for Chilean salmon exporters, LATAM Cargo is quintupling its Santiago-Miami flights, reaching 31X-weekly frequencies.