LATAM Cargo completes fleet expansion, capacity up over 70% vs 2019
Fleet to provide addl capacity during peak seasons of fruit exports in Chile & flower exports in Colombia and Ecuador
LATAM Cargo received its third Boeing 767 BCF this year, completing the fleet expansion plan and bringing the combined total to 19 cargo aircraft.
The milestone reinforces their position as the largest cargo airline group in South America, says an official release.
The fleet expansion plan announced in 2021 by LATAM group added eight passenger-to-cargo converted aircraft, resulting in a growth of over 70 percent in freighter capacity compared to pre-pandemic levels, the release added. "LATAM Cargo expanded its fleet uniformly with the Boeing 767-300 BCF as it is the ideal aircraft for operations in the region due to its efficiency, versatility, and size."
Gudny Genskowsky, Senior VP, Network and Alliances, Cargo, LATAM says: "The arrival of this aircraft reflects LATAM Cargo’s commitment to customers and focus on maintaining a sustainable, long-term operation. This growth plan was structured collaboratively with the aim of connecting the region's export and import industries through a broad and reliable offering. At the same time, we considered the inherent volatility of air cargo and thus focused on efficiency, diversification, and flexibility. While the industry faces challenging times, we are pleased to have access to this new aircraft to take advantage of opportunities in the territory."
In the short term, the new cargo aircraft will strengthen the export of cherries from Chile during the final quarter of the year and increase available capacity for the markets of Colombia and Ecuador during the Valentine's Day flower season. Subsequently, it will enable the group to expand its long-haul operations from North America and Europe to South America, the release added.
LATAM group currently operates a fleet of 321 aircraft including 58 Boeing passenger planes and 245 Airbus aircraft. Additionally, they have a combined fleet of 19 Boeing 767 aircraft operated by the cargo subsidiaries - LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brasil.
