LATAM Group and Delta Cargo announce first phase of expansion of integrated pharma network

by

In an effort to enhance cargo transportation options, LATAM Group’s cargo operators and Delta Cargo have announced expanded collaboration for the transport of pharmaceutical shipments on more routes between North and South America. Both companies are working together to integrate their Pharma network and now offer an extensive network of 26 joint stations within their geographical scope of collaboration.

This marks a milestone in the cargo joint venture between Delta Air Lines and LATAM. Customers will benefit from the carriers’ expanded collaboration on more routes, with transfer points between airlines in Atlanta (ATL), New York-Kennedy (JFK) and Miami (MIA) to better facilitate the movement of pharmaceutical cargo between North and South America, enabling these sensitive products to reach their destinations faster and more reliably.

With this integration of major strategic gateways for pharmaceutical transport, the airlines’ joint customers will benefit from growth in each of the carriers’ Pharma networks. Delta Cargo has expanded the size of its Pharma network of stations by 36.8%, through the addition of new stations like Miami (MIA) and Curitiba (CWB). Meanwhile, LATAM Group increased the size of its Pharma network of stations by 52.9%, by integrating Delta stations such as Detroit (DTW) and Philadelphia (PHL). This enhancement greatly improves connectivity for clients between North America and South America, offering more routing options, increased capacity and optimized transit times.

“This announcement represents a major tangible benefit of our joint venture with Delta Cargo. At LATAM Cargo Group, we are continually seeking new solutions to bring more opportunities to our clients, while always maintaining the highest standards of quality in all our services. Through this partnership, we strengthen our Pharma network and provide pharmaceutical clients with greater options to diversify origins and destinations, ensuring that these critical products reach their destinations with maximum safety and efficiency,” comments Andrés Varela, Commercial Director for North America and Asia at LATAM Cargo Group.

Peter Penseel, President of Delta Cargo, adds, “The partnership between Delta Cargo and LATAM Cargo Group exemplifies our commitment to innovation and excellence in serving our customers. By expanding our joint pharmaceutical capabilities, we are not only providing more options for our customers, but also ensuring that vital medical supplies reach their destinations with the utmost reliability and speed. This milestone is a testament to our shared vision of providing superior service for our mutual customers across North and South America.”

Both LATAM Cargo Group and Delta Cargo recently received CEIV Pharma recertification from IATA, reinforcing the companies’ commitment to upholding the highest standards in pharmaceutical transport, ensuring continuous improvement and a solid operational framework for handling and managing cargo.

Cold chain facilities
Throughout 2023, LATAM group upgraded and enhanced its cold chain facilities in Miami, one of the company’s most important cargo hubs, which represents one of the largest cold storage warehouses at Miami International Airport. LATAM undertook a comprehensive technological update of all existing equipment in its cold storage warehouses, along with significant improvements to doors and electric forklifts to ensure the optimal delivery of products requiring precise temperature control.

Delta Cargo also boasts state-of-the-art cold chain facilities across its vast network, including large capacity coolers in Atlanta (ATL) as well as a new cooler facility at New York-Kennedy (JFK) unveiled in 2023, both featuring dedicated temperature-specific chambers and active container capabilities. Both facilities have also received the prestigious International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validator (CEIV) Pharma certification, showcasing Delta Cargo’s commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical logistics.

Joint venture
Through their joint venture agreement, LATAM group and Delta Cargo are expanding operations to offer greater business opportunities in North and South America. Customers of both companies now have access to a combined cargo network covering over 300 destinations in the United States/Canada and South America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay).