Carrying a full cargo load that included more than 6 tons exclusively from Panalpina, one of the world’s leading providers of supply chain solutions, the inaugural flight of the new direct service linking Lisbon (Portugal) with Guarulhos (Brazil) took off on Monday, September 3.
Operated with a Boeing 767 passenger aircraft and five weekly frequencies, the new route is part of LATAM Cargo Group‘s strategy to strengthen and expand its connection network between Latin America and Europe.
“Brazil is a highly demanded and growing market for European exports as well as for passengers. Being able to offer capacity out of Europe from our 7 and soon 8 hubs including our Lisbon operation starting as from 3rd of September will ensure to all our customers a variety of options in order to guaranty speed, consistency and reliability within our network and product portfolio”, said Guido Henke, Commercial Director Europe.
“This new, direct LATAM Cargo route will increase the connectivity between Europe and South America and improve speed and reliability for our customers on both sides of the Atlantic. For Panalpina, Brazil is one of the strongest growing air freight markets, so this new route is a great opportunity for us to expand our business even more,” commented Markus Muecke, Panalpina’s Global Head of Air Freight Procurement and Product Management.
The Lisbon-Guarulhos service will primarily benefit cargo transportation from the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of continental Europe to South America by reducing travel time between countries.
LATAM Cargo: Connecting Latin America with the world
“We are constantly evaluating new routes to increase our connectivity within our network to maintain our leadership from, to and intra Latin America considering customer´s needs in the center of our decisions process”, said Guido Henke. In consonance with its international expansion plan, LATAM Group has opened more than 30 routes in recent years, giving its customers multiple connection options to cut down cargo transportation time.
“Over the years, LATAM Cargo and Panalpina have intensified their partnership and significantly grown volumes – not only on the southbound route from Europe to Latin America, especially with automotive cargo, but out of Latin America too, with general cargo, pharmaceuticals or perishables. LATAM offers the right mix of belly and freighter capacity and performs very well. We enjoy close cooperation on all levels between our companies and we look forward to growing the business together,” added Markus Muecke.