LATAM Cargo Group launched their new non-stop routes to Europe, and along with that, they are looking to strengthen the ties between Miami, and northern Chile.
In an effort to boost connectivity in Chile’s far north and consistent with its expansion plan, LATAM Cargo has added a direct route from Miami to Antofagasta and from Antofagasta to Santiago with two weekly frequencies operated by a B767F with a 50-ton capacity.
Chile’s north is a strategic region due to its important economic contribution consisting primarily of mining activities, which require the prompt delivery of inputs to ensure operational continuity. This hitherto unmet demand led the company to consider new routes permitting to decrease delivery time.
“A direct Miami-Antofagasta and Antofagasta-Santiago link gives us the opportunity to satisfy our customers’ requirements, integrating it to the existing LATAM Cargo network of over 150 destinations. With this new route, we will further contribute to the economic development of the region,” Mr. Oliva added.
The city of Iquique will also benefit greatly. Located 400 kilometers north of Antofagasta, it has a customs-free zone that needs a steady supply of offshore products, so the connection with Miami will allow it to stock on merchandise quicker than before.
“We are the air cargo company with the best connectivity between Latin America and the world, and we will continue developing our network to satisfy the needs of our customers,” the Commercial Director for USA, Europe and Asia concluded.
The flights will operate between Guarulhos (Brazil) and the cities of Lisbon (Portugal) and Munich (Germany), the latter still subject to regulatory approval. Service will begin in September 2018 in the case of Lisbon and during the first half of 2019 for Munich. Both routes are part of the company’s expansion plan, which seeks to strengthen and increase its network by providing greater connectivity to and from South America.
“Maintaining our leadership position in the air cargo market to, from and within Latin America requires being in permanent evolution in order to satisfy our customers’ needs. Accordingly, we are constantly pondering new alternatives to offer premium service, including a reduction of the enroute time of our customers’ cargo,” said Gabriel Oliva, Commercial Director for USA, Europe and Asia.
LATAM Group will offer five weekly frequencies between Lisbon and the Guarulhos hub, carrying to South America products from across the Iberian Peninsula and its surroundings. Although still pending regulatory approval, the flights to Munich will increase connectivity with the industrial centers of southern Germany, especially for the automotive industry. Once the frequency is approved, the capital of Bavaria will become the second city in Germany and the ninth in Europe with direct service to South America.
