Rosario “Islas Malvinas” International Airport has completed its first shipment of frozen beef to Panama, marking a significant step in its development as a logistics hub for perishable goods.The shipment, carried by Copa Airlines—which operates 10 weekly flights to Rosario—included over 300 kilograms of entraña, rump tail, and top sirloin cap, packed into 22 boxes supplied by Swift S.A. meatpacking plant.The operation was coordinated by SP Group, a company based within the airport’s commercial center. According to airport officials, this reflects the consolidation of strategic services within its infrastructure to boost international trade.This shipment follows a recent export of frozen pacú (a freshwater fish) to the United States, organized by Puerto Las Palmas S.A. from Chaco Province. Both operations, the airport notes, highlight the facility’s growing capability to handle animal-origin products with strict sanitary and logistical requirements.Airport authorities emphasized that these international movements demonstrate “the efficiency and coordination of all involved sectors—Customs, SENASA, logistics operators, customs brokers, and airport staff.”The airport positions itself as a strategic hub for exporting Argentine products, particularly from Santa Fe Province, and sees these exports as a step toward strengthening foreign trade from the region.

Rosario Airport strengthens air exports of perishable foods

Mexican cargo airline AeroUnion has officially rebranded as Avianca Cargo México, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its regional and global growth strategy.With 27 years of history, the company will retain its independent financial and operational structure, but will now operate under a brand that, according to a company statement, aims to align its services with the highest global industry standards.The rebranding comes alongside an expansion of its logistics capacity: on June 20, the airline received its second A330 P2F, a wide-body aircraft capable of carrying over 60 tons of cargo, including oversized and temperature-sensitive goods. The upgraded fleet strengthens Mexico’s role as a strategic cargo hub for shipments to the United States, Colombia, and other key markets across Latin America, Asia, and Europe.The company emphasized that this transformation will allow it to offer a stronger and more efficient network, with access to over 350 global destinations through commercial partnerships and interline agreements. Industries such as technology, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and perishables are expected to benefit most from the enhanced services.“Our commitment to serving our customers with excellence, agility, and reliability is at the heart of this relaunch,” said Danilo Correa, CEO of Avianca Cargo México. “We are proud to introduce our new brand, which comes with a strong value proposition and an expanded network to connect Mexico with the world.”“We celebrate the launch of Avianca Cargo México, which combines capacity, commercial partnerships, and interline agreements to expand global connectivity,” added Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo.Avianca Cargo México will operate under a brand license granted to Aero Transporte de Carga Unión S.A., which will continue functioning as an independent Mexican legal entity, maintaining its own technical, labor, and administrative framework.

From "Wey" to "Parce": AeroUnion rebrands as Avianca Cargo México, launching a new phase of international expansion

In a historic milestone for Argentina’s foreign trade, the first-ever air export of pacú fish was completed from Rosario to the United States, destined for a culinary experience in Los Angeles restaurants.The cargo originated from a fish farm in Puerto Las Palmas, Chaco, and was certified by Senasa, Argentina’s National Food Safety and Quality Service.Senasa stated that its personnel ensured compliance with U.S. sanitary requirements at both the origin and destination. Technicians from Senasa’s Chaco-Formosa Regional Center inspected the production facility, while agents at Rosario’s “Islas Malvinas” International Airport verified the cargo’s condition before issuing the necessary health documentation.The air shipment, as opposed to the traditional maritime method, significantly reduced both logistical costs and transit time for the producer, according to Senasa.The consignment consisted of two packages weighing a total of 144 kilograms, transported aboard a Copa Airlines flight. The airline operates 10 weekly flights between Rosario and Panama, where it maintains a hub connecting to over 80 destinations across the Americas.Senasa also reported that, so far in 2025, it has certified the export of 13,000 tons of fishery products to the United States, under the framework of bilateral trade in animal-origin food products.

Argentina Makes First-Ever Air Shipment of Pacú Fish to the U.S. from Rosario

A company from Santa Fe has made the first Exporta Simple shipment from Rosario International Airport to Colombia, marking the debut of this simplified export regime at an airport outside of Buenos Aires. According to the provincial government, the initiative advances the federalization of foreign trade and enabled up to 50% savings in logistics costs.The shipment, carried out by Ivolution—a Santa Fe-based company specializing in high-performance sports technology—included four boxes of gym equipment totaling 284 kilograms, destined for Bogotá. The operation was supported by logistics operator Panamerican Cargo S.A., airline Latam, and bonded warehouse Defiba Murchison.Gustavo Puccini, Santa Fe’s Minister of Productive Development, stated that the shipment was valued at $5,000 and emphasized that the local SME was able to cut export and freight costs by half by avoiding the need to ship through Ezeiza.“This deregulation federalizes exports,” Puccini said. “In this case, Rosario became the first federal airport outside of Ezeiza to be made available for use by producers in Santa Fe and the surrounding region.” He added that this is a significant step toward improving the logistical competitiveness of businesses outside Buenos Aires.The provincial government highlighted that gaining national authorization to use Rosario Airport as a cargo terminal opens new opportunities for SMEs. “This is a first step toward positioning Rosario Airport as a logistics hub,” said Puccini. “We hope more companies choose to export from here.”The initiative was recognized by national Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger, who praised Santa Fe for “competing with Ezeiza on cost, generating a 50% improvement in competitiveness.”Exporta Simple allows businesses not registered as exporters to ship goods abroad without complex paperwork, while also qualifying for export refunds. The program is designed to stimulate international trade, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.Mónica Alvarado, Secretary of Transport and Logistics, emphasized the crucial role played by the Customs team, whose active involvement ensured the launch of the program in the region with a smooth, secure, and compliant process. She noted that Rosario is now “the first airport outside Buenos Aires to operate under this program,” and highlighted its growing international connectivity, with access to over 1,000 destinations.“Exporta Simple is great news and a powerful incentive for businesses looking to enter foreign markets,” Puccini concluded.

From Rosario to the world: first export under new regime completed from Islas Malvinas Airport

In response to growing demand on the South America–Europe cargo corridor, the LATAM Cargo Group and its affiliates have announced a significant capacity expansion set to begin in October 2025.The group plans to increase its weekly cargo departures to 15, utilizing its fleet of Boeing 767-300F aircraft. This represents a 25% increase in cargo capacity between the two regions.From Europe to South America, 15 weekly flights have been scheduled, strategically timed to align with market needs. The new schedule includes three daily flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, connecting multiple European origins to destinations across South America.Thanks to the operational flexibility of the Boeing 767-300F fleet, LATAM Cargo will offer customers access to a broader network of South American cities. Unique industry connections will be enabled through its main hubs in Campinas (Brazil), Santiago (Chile), and Lima (Peru), as reported by AV's partner outlet AEROIN.Additional destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, São José dos Campos, Florianópolis, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires will also be included in the network, improving final delivery times and contributing to the development of the regional logistics ecosystem.In the reverse direction, from South America to Europe, the operation will maintain the same 15 weekly departures, with three daily flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Of these, ten flights are already assigned to Pacific routes departing from Quito (Ecuador), and five new flights will be added.<blockquote>“In a global environment that is both challenging and ever-changing, we remain committed to our strategic markets, strengthening those routes where we can deliver reliable and differentiated service. Today, together with our affiliates, we lead the cargo market between South America and Europe with a 23% share of total capacity,” said Andrés Bianchi, CEO of the LATAM Cargo Group.</blockquote>

LATAM Cargo Expands Capacity Between South America and Europe in Response to Growing Demand

Diogo Elias appointed CEO of Avianca Cargo as of May 1, following his tenure as Senior Vice President since 2023. His appointment signals the beginning of a new phase in which he will lead the company’s strategy for growth, operational expansion, and market consolidation for the airline’s cargo division.Avianca Cargo operates a network that connects over 350 destinations through a combination of freighter flights, interline agreements, and commercial routes. Under Elias’s leadership, the company will continue pursuing fleet expansion, route diversification, and deeper digital transformation of its logistics services.The airline remains committed to operational efficiency and adherence to international standards, offering more than 220 dedicated cargo flights and over 1,400 belly-capacity operations.In the two years leading up to his appointment, Elias spearheaded initiatives that helped position Avianca Cargo among the world’s top six cargo airlines, according to the ACNA index—the only Latin American company to make the list. His leadership played a key role in expanding the carrier’s network in strategic markets, especially in the United States, where Avianca Cargo now connects a record 25 destinations directly from Miami.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:99.31%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/diogo_elias_ceo_avianca_cargo.jpg" alt="Diogo Elias CEO Avianca Cargo" /><figcaption>&nbsp;Diogo Elias, Avianca Cargo CEO</figcaption></figure>With over 20 years of experience in strategic and commercial roles, Elias holds degrees in Business and Operations Management, along with an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Avianca Cargo appoints Diogo Elias as its new CEO to lead its expansion strategy

Euroairlines Group to launch cargo operations as part of strategic expansion, positioning itself as a full-service operator within the aviation sector. The move marks a significant shift for the Spanish company, which has so far focused primarily on passenger air distribution services.With this expansion, Euroairlines aims to capitalize on a network that spans over 175 airports, 400 direct routes, and 600 connecting routes. The company highlights that this infrastructure will enable it to offer logistics services to new clients while strengthening relationships with existing ones.The group plans to apply its interline agreement model to cargo transport, a formula that executives say will facilitate airline collaboration and open new market connections. “Our business model allows us to move cargo just as we do with passengers: we connect companies, markets, and destinations through partnerships,” said Antonio López-Lázaro, CEO of Euroairlines.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36587,37795" data-title="You might be interested"></section>The service will be available to operators looking to tap into Euroairlines’ distribution network and infrastructure, which the company has developed since its founding in 2000. According to the firm, the cargo sector presents fewer entry barriers, greater openness to new agreements, and more stability than the passenger segment.The company is also adapting its operations to integrate specialized logistics platforms, while maintaining a strong focus on flexibility and customer service. “With this new division, we aim to consolidate not only our product but also our operations and air services, with the goal of growing both nationally and internationally,” said Guillermo López-Lázaro, head of the new business unit. He also stated that one of the division’s objectives is to position the company as “an air cargo bridge connecting Latin America, Europe, and Asia.”

Euroairlines enters air cargo transport to connect the Americas, Europe, and Asia

Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo have announced their intent to launch a global joint business agreement in the air cargo sector, which would pool a fleet of around 1,000 aircraft, including belly cargo capacity on passenger planes. The agreement is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.If finalized, this strategic partnership will allow the three companies to integrate resources, infrastructure, and expertise to “create a more efficient cargo network with enhanced global connectivity.” According to the companies, the agreement will offer a unified product range, improved transit times, new routing options, and harmonized safety and security standards.Qatar Airways Cargo—one of the world’s largest cargo divisions—will be a key pillar of the agreement alongside IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and LEVEL, and MASkargo, the air cargo subsidiary of the Malaysia Aviation Group.The companies stated that the alliance aims to “enhance the accessibility and efficiency of air freight” in a global logistics landscape increasingly demanding agility and reach. The goal is to “build a truly connected network” that can better adapt to the dynamics of international trade.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/qatar_airways_cargo_maskcargo_iag_cargo.jpg" alt="Qatar Airways Cargo - MaskCargo - IAG Cargo" /></figure>Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our continued efforts to redefine the global air cargo landscape. This agreement brings together three strong players to deliver an unprecedented service and global connectivity, reinforcing our commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.”From IAG Cargo, CEO David Shepherd commented: “This agreement is a testament to our history of bringing businesses together. With years of experience forging successful collaborations, we understand the true value they offer. This joint business not only opens up options and opportunities for our customers but also enhances connectivity for the sectors and industries we serve, further strengthening air cargo’s role in global trade.”MASkargo CEO Mark Jason Thomas added: “This strategic collaboration marks a key moment for MASkargo and for the air cargo industry. We are excited to partner with Qatar Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo to usher in a new era of value and innovation for our customers. Leveraging our combined strengths and expertise, we will deliver enhanced services, expanded global reach, and cutting-edge solutions to meet the needs of the global market, ensuring greater efficiency and connectivity.”&nbsp;

Three air cargo giants join forces to create a global logistics network

Amid the high logistical demand generated by Mother’s Day, Aerosan expects to handle more than 20,000 tons of fresh flowers from Colombia and Ecuador to key international destinations between April 15 and May 9, according to a statement released on Monday.According to the company, the operation involves a coordinated network of airlines, logistics operators, and exporters, aimed at ensuring the integrity of the product throughout the entire transportation process. Colombia is expected to contribute approximately 8,705 tons, including varieties such as roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, and alstroemerias. Main destinations include the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, the Netherlands, and Russia, along with emerging markets such as the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Switzerland.From Ecuador, the company projects handling 11,766 tons, with roses accounting for around 75%, followed by summer flowers, gypsophilas, and carnations. These exports are destined for countries including the United States, Canada, Kazakhstan, Chile, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands.Leonardo Silva, Aerosan’s Operations Manager, stated that “Aerosan reaffirms its commitment to the floriculture sector by enabling efficient and secure logistics solutions that guarantee the freshness and quality of flowers during their transit to international markets.”The executive explained that during the process, factors such as weight, volume, and temperature are monitored, and the flowers are stored in temperature-controlled warehouses to maintain freshness until loading onto aircraft. In addition, the entire process is designed to enable detailed tracking at every stage of the logistics chain.Silva added, “This year we’ve prepared by making significant improvements in equipment, processes, infrastructure, and systems, which will allow us to shorten reception times, better care for the flowers, and most importantly, ensure a safer operation for our team.”The Mother’s Day season represents one of the peak periods of the year for the international flower trade, with Latin America—particularly Colombia and Ecuador—playing a key role in supplying these highly perishable products to markets around the world.

Aerosan to Handle Over 20,000 Tons of Fresh Flowers for Mother’s Day Exports

Mexican airline Estafeta Carga Aérea has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), according to an announcement yesterday by the global airline industry body.Estafeta Carga Aérea launched regular flights in November 2000, but its parent company, Estafeta Mexicana, has operated ground logistics services since 1979, offering Mexico’s first door-to-door courier and parcel delivery service.The airline’s fleet consists of six Boeing 737-400SF aircraft with an average age of 28.2 years. These serve a domestic and international network, the latter significantly expanded in reach following its 2024 acquisition by global logistics giant UPS. Its main hub is located at San Luis Potosí International Airport in central Mexico.IATA notes that between 2024 and early 2025, 39 airlines have become new members of the association. Another Latin American carrier to join last year was Colombia’s Clic. In total, IATA now includes 352 member airlines worldwide, representing more than 80% of global air traffic.

Mexico: Estafeta Carga Aérea officially joins IATA

AirBridgeCargo (ABC), once Russia’s largest cargo airline, has hinted at a possible return to operations in 2025, according to its financial statements. The carrier suspended activities in 2022 following international sanctions.According to the Interfax agency, the company stated in its report that it is closely monitoring geopolitical developments and believes that 2025 could present opportunities to implement plans for a relaunch.ABC continues to preserve its fleet of 14 Boeing aircraft—including ten Boeing 747-8Fs (average age: 10.2 years), three 747-400ERFs (17.6 years), and one 777-200LRF (4.7 years)—in compliance with manufacturer guidelines, aviation authority regulations, and leasing agreements. The airline is also in ongoing talks with lessors to settle outstanding obligations and is exploring partnerships in countries friendly to Russia.In its 2023 report, AirBridgeCargo outlined further steps toward resuming operations, including plans to introduce “new types of aircraft.” In March of that year, the company announced plans to acquire two Russian-made Il-96-400T aircraft to launch cargo flights to China, as reported by <a href="https://aeroin.net/abatida-pelas-sancoes-maior-aerea-cargueira-da-russia-ainda-tem-sonho-de-voltar-a-voar/">AEROIN</a>, a partner outlet.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37323" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>The deliveries were to be arranged through Ilyushin Finance Co., a leasing arm of the state-owned Rostec conglomerate. After initially receiving two Il-96 aircraft, AirBridgeCargo expressed interest in expanding the order to 10 units. However, the company never received the planes. Instead, the two aircraft were reassigned to Sky Gates Airlines, another Rostec-controlled cargo operator.Historically, AirBridgeCargo operated an all-Boeing fleet, but ceased operations in March 2022. In August 2024, the airline—along with sister companies Volga-Dnepr and Atran (all part of the Volga-Dnepr Group)—was targeted by U.S. sanctions. By November, the Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia suspended AirBridgeCargo’s operating certificate.In 2021, AirBridgeCargo transported 639,000 tonnes of cargo, a 21% increase from the previous year, capturing approximately 43% of the domestic market, according to Rosaviatsia. The group was founded by Alexey Isaikin.

AirBridgeCargo leaves the door open for a potential return in 2025

IAG Cargo has unveiled its 2025 summer schedule, introducing major updates in Asia, North America, and Latin America. After a five-year hiatus, the company will resume its London-Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur service starting April 1, 2025, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The relaunch had been delayed due to previous issues with the Rolls-Royce engines on its Dreamliner fleet.In North America, flights from Madrid and Barcelona to San Francisco will return with three weekly frequencies. Capacity will also expand with the resumption of the Dublin–Denver route. Additionally, London-Heathrow will see increased service to Chicago, Vancouver, and Washington-Dulles.In Latin America, the Madrid–Rio de Janeiro route will increase from four to six weekly flights.Across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, selected routes will also see capacity boosts. Flights to Doha will increase from seven to twelve per week, and services between Tokyo-Haneda and London-Heathrow will grow from ten to fourteen weekly frequencies.“Our 2025 summer schedule reflects a significant capacity increase across key global markets. We’re especially pleased to resume flights to Kuala Lumpur, Denver, and San Francisco, while expanding our network across North America, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific,” said Camilo García Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo.IAG Cargo operates globally through its main hubs in London, Dublin, and Madrid. From the British capital, the company runs more than 600 weekly widebody services. From Madrid and Barcelona, it offers over 240 widebody flights weekly to North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

IAG Cargo announces 2025 summer schedule with key expansions across Asia, North America, and Latin America

The E190-E1 aircraft, registration N986TA, originally built in 2010 for Taca El Salvador, was retired from commercial service in 2019 and later repurchased by Embraer to become the certification platform for the Brazilian manufacturer’s first factory-built cargo aircraft series. Now, the jet has received a “new look” as it nears delivery.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/e190_e1_1.jpg" alt="E190-E1" /></figure>For its maiden flight in April 2024, the aircraft featured a blue tail with Embraer’s yellow logo on the vertical stabilizer. It was later repainted in a sleek, all-black livery with aqua green accents.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/e190_e1_2.jpg" alt="E190-E1" /></figure>Now, the first E-Freighter sports a minimalist all-white paint scheme with a single red stripe along the fuselage, likely signaling that it is nearing delivery to its launch customer, U.S.-based aircraft leasing company Regional One, according to Brazilian aviation outlet <a href="https://aeroin.net/primeiro-embraer-190-cargueiro-e-visto-de-roupa-nova-ao-decolar-de-confins-mg-a-sao-jose-dos-campos-sp/">Aeroin</a>.The image accompanying this report was taken and shared with Aeroin by Miguel Barbosa on Saturday, March 29, as the cargo-configured E-Jet departed Belo Horizonte International Airport (Confins-MG) en route to São José dos Campos International Airport (SP), home to Embraer’s E-Jet manufacturing facilities.Prior to this transfer, the E190F had just returned from a U.S. demo tour in late January and remained in São José dos Campos until March 10, when it was flown to Confins.

Embraer’s first E-Freighter gets a new look ahead of delivery to Regional One

A total of 17 mountain bongos, a critically endangered antelope species, have been transported from Florida (USA) to Kenya aboard a DHL Express aircraft, as part of an international logistics operation linked to a reintroduction program into their natural habitat.According to information released by the company and shared by involved organizations, the animals were captive-bred at the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in the United States and were transferred to a conservation sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Kenya, managed by the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust.The bongos—a species native to Africa with a wild population estimated at fewer than 100 individuals—traveled in specially designed crates, accompanied by six tons of pellet feed and a team consisting of a veterinarian and two bongo specialists from the U.S.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/jaulas_disenadas_para_el_transporte_de_los_bongos.jpg" alt="Jaulas diseñadas para el transporte de los bongos" /><figcaption>Cages designed for the transport of the bongos</figcaption></figure>The operation was coordinated in partnership with the Tusk NGO, which supports conservation projects in Africa, and involved the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the MBRCT, and Kenya’s forest authorities. The flight covered 7,146 nautical miles between Palm Beach International Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.The animals were released into a 20-acre (~8-hectare) sanctuary dedicated to their long-term care and recovery. The initiative is part of Kenya’s national mountain bongo recovery plan, which local authorities have emphasized as vital to reversing the extinction of the species in the country’s forests, where no wild bongos had been seen for over 40 years.The herd, made up of 12 females and 5 males, will initially remain in controlled enclosures to ensure safe adaptation and breeding. Future offspring will be gradually reintroduced into Mount Kenya’s forest ecosystem.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/bongo.jpg" alt="Bongo" /></figure>"We are extremely proud to leverage our global network to help transport these critically endangered bongos to their new sanctuary in Kenya," said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe. "The logistics behind such missions are highly complex, and the welfare of the animals is always our top priority," he added.Meanwhile, Mike Watson, CEO of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, stated: "Bringing the bongos back to Kenya is a milestone in restoring the country’s natural heritage. They have been absent from their rightful forests for decades."The project also includes the involvement of local communities, who will help manage the sanctuary through education and employment programs related to conservation.

DHL Express transports 17 bongo antelopes from Florida to Kenya

FedEx Corp. has announced the purchase of 10 new ATR 72-600F regional freighter aircraft to expand its feeder fleet. This acquisition adds to a previous order of 30 aircraft of the same model. Deliveries from this new order are scheduled between 2027 and 2029, according to ATR, the European regional aircraft manufacturer.The ATR 72-600F, specifically designed for cargo operations, has a payload capacity of 9.2 tons and offers up to 75 cubic meters of available volume. According to the company, this configuration optimizes freight transport through a system of nine vertical nets and floor anchoring points, while also accommodating standard ULD containers compatible with larger aircraft.ATR states that these aircraft will enable FedEx to modernize its current fleet, gradually replacing older ATR models and enhancing its global operations. The company also highlights the operational versatility of the ATR 72-600F, which can adapt to a wide range of environments, from warm climates like Miami, Florida, to extremely cold conditions in Anchorage, Alaska.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/atr_72_600f_carguero_de_fedex_express.jpg" alt="ATR 72-600F carguero de FedEx Express" /><figcaption>ATR 72-600F - FedEx Express</figcaption></figure>“FedEx has decided to order more ATR 72-600Fs, which underscores their confidence in the performance and versatility of our aircraft,” said Alexis Vidal, ATR’s Senior Vice President of Commercial. “Our freighter variant offers significant advantages over converted passenger models, including greater reliability and availability,” he added.FedEx uses the ATR 72-600F primarily for feeder operations through subsidiaries, connecting secondary markets with major hubs. According to the company, these aircraft play a strategic role in ensuring service to smaller markets within its global network. Its feeder fleet currently includes:• 15 ATR 42F, with an average age of 33.1 years • 42 ATR 72F, with an average age of 16 years

ATR secures new order for 10 ATR 72-600 freighters

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has reported a 22% increase in the volume of its Constant Climate product compared to 2023. This growth highlights the rising demand for temperature-controlled air transportation within the pharmaceutical industry.The Constant Climate product, as detailed by IAG Cargo, is specifically designed for the transportation of pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, biotechnology products, diagnostic samples, and other temperature-sensitive materials. This cold chain service has become a critical solution to ensure the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products during transit.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/iag_cargo_constant_climate_iberia.jpg" alt="IAG Cargo - Constant Climate - Iberia" /></figure><h3>Pharmaceutical Sector Expansion Drives Growth</h3>The global pharmaceutical sector continues to expand, driven by the aging population, growing demand for new treatments, and advances in research and development. Since a large portion of pharmaceutical products require controlled transport to preserve their efficacy, air cargo plays a pivotal role in ensuring that medicines reach patients quickly and in optimal conditions.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="12415" data-title="You might be interested"></section>Jordan Kohlbeck, Head of the Pharmaceutical Sector at IAG Cargo, stated, “The safe and controlled movement of pharmaceutical products is more important than ever due to increasing global demand, medical advancements, regulatory requirements, and the urgent need for rapid responses during health crises.” He also highlighted IAG Cargo’s commitment to providing world-class temperature control solutions, noting that the company has made significant investments in both its facilities and staff to ensure the precise delivery of these products.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/jordan_kohlbeck_head_of_pharmaceutical_iag_cargo.jpg" alt="Jordan Kohlbeck - Head of Pharmaceutical - IAG Cargo" /><figcaption>Jordan Kohlbeck - Head of Pharmaceutical - IAG Cargo</figcaption></figure><h3>Key Pharmaceutical Export Growth</h3>IAG Cargo noted that a significant portion of its shipments originates from Ireland and India, countries that have seen growth in pharmaceutical exports. In January 2024, Ireland's pharmaceutical exports increased by 48% compared to the same month the previous year, reaching €8.993 billion, representing 48% of the country’s total exports. Meanwhile, India’s pharmaceutical exports grew from $2.13 billion in 2023 to $2.31 billion in 2024, representing about 20% of the global pharmaceutical supply chain.<h3>New Facilities and Expanded Network</h3>The increase in Constant Climate volumes has also been fueled by the opening of IAG Cargo's new Premia facility at its London Heathrow headquarters, which includes a Constant Climate Quality Center (CCQC) for pharmaceutical products. This new facility has doubled the company’s cold chain storage and handling capacity.Additionally, IAG Cargo has expanded the number of stations approved for transporting temperature-sensitive products, recently adding Cincinnati, Cape Town, and Strasbourg to its global network of approximately 100 stations.

IAG Cargo Sees 22% Increase in Constant Climate Product Volumes Amid Growing Pharmaceutical Demand

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) confirmed that CHAMP Cargosystems will continue as the exclusive sponsor of the Sustainability Awards until 2029. Additionally, the application period for the new edition of the awards has officially opened.These awards recognize outstanding initiatives that promote sustainable practices, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to a greener future in the air cargo industry. Companies, organizations, and individuals from the sector are invited to submit projects, technologies, or strategies that drive sustainability.“CHAMP Cargosystems’ continued support for the Sustainability Awards reinforces our commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in the industry,” said Steven Polmans, president of TIACA.For his part, Chris McDermott, CEO of CHAMP Cargosystems, highlighted: “It is an honor to continue sponsoring this initiative, which we have supported for over six years. Building a sustainable future for air cargo requires shared values, strong partnerships, and constant innovation. We look forward to reviewing this year’s proposals and continuing to drive sustainability in the sector.”The application process will remain open until April 30. A panel of experts will evaluate the submissions based on their impact, scalability, and innovation. The winners will be announced at the TIACA Executive Summit, which will be held from June 24 to 26 in Hong Kong.Awards will be presented in two categories:Corporate Award: for established corporations, international organizations, or academics with a proven track record in the sector.Startup and Small Business Award: aimed at startups and small businesses looking to establish themselves in the industry. This category includes a financial incentive:<ul><li>Winner: USD 10,000</li><li>Two finalists: USD 2,500 each</li></ul>While the Corporate Award seeks to recognize and support the work of established players, the Startup and Small Business category offers financial support to emerging initiatives that need resources for development.“The ongoing collaboration between TIACA and CHAMP Cargosystems reflects a strong commitment to sustainability in air cargo. We are eager to learn about the innovations that will shape the future of the industry,” said Glyn Hughes, TIACA’s CEO.

Innovation and sustainability in air cargo: TIACA recognizes the best initiatives in the sector

Global trade is expected to keep expanding over the next five years despite the restrictive tariff policies announced by the United States, according to the DHL Trade Atlas 2025, presented by DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business.The report forecasts that global merchandise trade will grow at a compound annual rate of 3.1% between 2024 and 2029, slightly outpacing the previous decade’s growth. However, if the recently re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump fully implements the proposed tariffs and other countries respond with similar measures, growth could slow significantly—though not come to a halt.<h3>Key Drivers of Global Trade Growth</h3>India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are expected to be the primary engines of global trade expansion during this period. India is projected to be the third-largest contributor to absolute trade growth, accounting for 6% of the global increase, trailing only China (12%) and the United States (10%). According to the study, these countries stand out both in growth rate and absolute trade volume expansion.At the regional level, South and Central Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and ASEAN nations will see the fastest trade volume growth, with annual rates between 5% and 6%. Other regions are expected to grow at a more moderate pace, ranging between 2% and 4% annually.<h3>Trends in Global Trade Flows</h3>Despite discussions about reshoring and nearshoring, the average distance traveled by traded goods hit a record 5,000 kilometers in 2024. Meanwhile, the share of trade occurring within major regions dropped to 51%, suggesting that significant regionalization has yet to take hold.Regarding U.S.-China trade tensions, direct trade between the two countries has declined from 3.5% of global trade in 2016 to 2.6% in 2024. However, this does not indicate a full decoupling. The U.S. still relies heavily on Chinese products, both through direct imports and indirect imports via third countries that use Chinese components.<h3>Expert Insights on Trade Resilience</h3>Steven A. Altman, lead researcher and Director of DHL’s Globalization Initiative at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future, emphasized:<blockquote>“While threats to the global trade system must be taken seriously, world trade has shown remarkable resilience due to its economic and social benefits.”</blockquote>Altman also noted that, despite U.S. trade restrictions, most countries are unlikely to follow suit, as the economic costs—particularly for smaller economies—would be too high.John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, highlighted the continued potential for trade growth in both advanced and emerging economies, pointing out how global trade has withstood financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent trade conflicts.<h3>DHL Trade Atlas 2025: A Comprehensive Global Trade Tool</h3>The DHL Trade Atlas 2025, authored by Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian from the NYU Stern School of Business, is an interactive and free tool that provides detailed analysis and trends on nearly 200 countries and territories, covering over 99% of global trade.The <a href="https://www.dhl.com/global-en/microsites/core/global-connectedness/trade-atlas.html">online interactive version</a> allows users to customize trade analyses by country, region, and specific goods, offering valuable insights for businesses and policymakers.Download document: <a href="https://www.dhl.com/content/dam/dhl/global/microsites/dhl-nyu/pdf/dhl-trade-atlas-2025-complete-report.pdf">DHL Trade Atlas 2025</a>

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