LATAM Cargo has begun accelerating its runway for 2026. The airline is planning a year focused on capitalizing on the network it consolidated in 2025 —with routes from Brazil to Europe—and on continuing to leverage its operations through passenger aircraft, a segment it recognizes as “a very attractive market.” For Mexico, however, no new routes are anticipated, although there is the possibility of adjusting frequencies based on demand.

“The Mexican market is very interesting. Currently, we serve with wide-body passenger aircraft connecting with South America and some freighters operating over Mexico City. We are always open to exploring opportunities, but it needs to be a very robust market. It is attractive, but very competitive, but we have no plans beyond adding some cargo flights in response to customer demand,” says Andrés Bianchi, CEO of LATAM Cargo Group.

In an interview with T21, the executive acknowledged that the Mexican market has undergone significant adjustments . One of the most notable has been the decrease in demand between Mexico and Brazil; however, he assured that, should a recovery occur, the company would be in a position to reactivate additional flights, particularly to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) .

In this context, he explains that most of the cargo handled by the airline is transported on passenger flights arriving at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) . “The adjustment was due to demand issues; we believe our value proposition for domestic flights is quite good, and we are always looking for ways to improve it,” he states.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo LATAM Cargo: growing without more planes, the challenge for 2026 apareció primero en T21.

Thousands of flowers from various parts of the world “began their journey through the clouds” days before February 14, Valentine’s Day, a logistical operation in which the participation of cargo carriers is essential for this product to arrive fresh and radiant at its destination.

Mexican freighter MAS reported that between January 28 and February 8, its operations reached a new milestone in its market dominance, transporting 70% of all flowers delivered to Los Angeles , in the United States during this period.

“This feat of precision required a ‘cold water chain’ that included 55 tons of fresh cargo and a rigorous schedule of two continuous daily flights from our strategic hub in Quito,” he explained through his social media.

During the aforementioned period, it carried out 17 specialized flights using its A330-200 and A330-300 freighters to ensure maximum reliability, and also successfully operated flower cargo flights from Bogotá for the first time.

“By ensuring that the vast majority of South American flower exports arrive in the United States in their best condition, MAS continues to drive the pulse of regional trade,” he said.

Meanwhile, LATAM Cargo reported that during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, it transports extraordinary volumes of flowers, maintaining the highest quality standards in every shipment from Colombia and Ecuador. They also reported that in the last three weeks, they have doubled their operations to over 460 flights.

The airline stated that millions of flowers begin their journey from Latin America to the world, and therefore they are prepared to meet the high demand with the efficiency and care required, as well as specialized infrastructure to ensure that each shipment arrives fresh at its destination.

“We continue to consolidate our leadership in the region. Today we have nearly 40% market share, driving this key industry for the country and consolidating a trajectory of sustained growth,” he said.

Similarly, Gabriel Olvia, president of Avianca Group, mentioned through his LinkedIn account that during this Valentine’s Day season, they moved 15,000 tons of flowers.

“It fills us with joy to bring the best of Colombia to the world, strengthening a value chain that drives economic and social development,” he said.

Jaime Álvarez, Senior Director of Cargo at Copa Airlines, told T21 that due to the season there is a high demand for flowers in various parts of the world, although especially towards Europe.

“We are bringing in additional flights and bringing them to Quito to send them to Europe. What the flowers need is to move quickly and not get stuck somewhere, and that’s where Panama works very well. We move the cargo in a matter of hours,” he explained.

He specified that for this season they expect to move about 200 tons because they have a second cargo ship.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Flowers “conquer the skies” for Valentine’s Day apareció primero en T21.