TAM Group launches air charter division, appoints Fernando Carballal

TAM Group has launched a dedicated Air Charter Division to provide tailored cargo capacity solutions for airlines, freight forwarders and logistics customers across its global network. The company has also appointed Fernando Carballal as Group Charter Director to lead the next phase of the business.

The new division formalises an incubation phase that began in September 2024. Operating from TAM Group's Americas regional headquarters in Miami, the charter unit initially focused on specialised charter opportunities across South America, with operations in markets including Brazil and Chile.

During this period, the team coordinated 30 charter operations, supporting customers across sectors such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, live animals and high-value cargo. According to the company, the results reflected growing demand for flexible cargo capacity that can support scheduled airline networks during peak periods, network disruptions and project cargo movements.

Carballal, who has 11 years of experience in air cargo, has worked across the airline, freight forwarding and charter brokerage sectors. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing the charter business across the region and creating a roadmap for global integration.

"The charter market is evolving quickly as customers look for greater flexibility, reliability and speed in their supply chains. TAM Group has strong airline relationships, deep local market knowledge and a growing international network, which gives us a strong platform to build a charter business that delivers practical solutions for both airlines and freight forwarders. I am excited to join the team and help develop a scalable charter platform across the Americas and beyond," said Fernando Carballal.

The company said the dedicated charter division has been established in response to changes in global supply chains, including capacity fluctuations, local bottlenecks, peak-season demand and time-sensitive production schedules. It will offer full and part-charter solutions to provide customers with greater flexibility and supply chain resilience.

The division will support customers with peak-season capacity, urgent cargo movements, network disruptions and project shipments. It will handle cargo including perishables, pharmaceuticals, electronics, humanitarian aid, aerospace and automotive goods. The company added that it will also support airline partners with overflow, ad hoc project and specialist charter opportunities alongside scheduled services.

Commenting on the launch, Fernando Garreton, Vice President and Managing Partner of the Americas at TAM Group, said the company had received encouraging market response since starting charter operations in late 2024. Following 23% growth in the Americas and its entry into the Mexican market, he said the company is now expanding the business with dedicated leadership.

Garreton added that the charter division is designed to complement, rather than compete with, TAM Group's GSSA business by helping airline partners manage overflow, project and specialist cargo while giving freight forwarders and logistics customers access to flexible cargo capacity through a partner with local market expertise.

He said the new division reflects a long-term investment in trade lanes connecting the United States and Latin America and will support TAM Group's plans to strengthen its global charter network.