Colombia’s leading cargo carrier, Avianca Cargo, and its commercial partner AeroUnion, have seen the arrival of a new Airbus A330 P2F (passenger to freighter) aircraft.
The new freighter supports the companies’ joint strategy to enhance their service offerings and strengthen their presence on the West Coast of the Americas.
The introduction of the A330 P2F comes exactly one year after Avianca Cargo and AeroUnion implemented their commercial cooperation agreement.
This strategic partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to create a more robust and efficient cargo network across the region.
A330 Freighter: A Substantial Capacity Boost
The new A330 P2F aircraft represents a substantial upgrade for AeroUnion’s fleet. It promises to increase cargo capacity by an impressive 60% compared to their current operations.
This significant boost in capacity is just the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan. Between 2024 and 2025, four additional A330 aircraft are expected to join the fleet. This will further enhance the joint network of Avianca Cargo and AeroUnion.
Diogo Elias, Senior Vice President and Leader of Avianca Cargo, highlighted the timely nature of this expansion.
“Freight transportation has shown significant improvement in recent years compared to pre-pandemic levels,” Elias stated.
“Latin American exports have increased by approximately 16%, while imports have seen a 10% recovery.”
Elias emphasized the suitability of the A330 for meeting this growing demand. He cited its higher volumetric capacity and lower environmental impact due to enhanced fuel efficiency per ton.
Serving the West Coast Market
The addition of the new A330 P2F to AeroUnion’s fleet complements Avianca Cargo’s existing fleet of six A330 aircraft.
This combined fleet of modern, efficient freighters positions the partnership to better serve key markets along the West Coast.
The aircraft will primarily be used to transport a diverse range of cargo. This will include perishable products like fruits and flowers, and oversized cargo.
This supports industrial sectors such as automotive, mining, and oil, as well as e-commerce parcels and general shipments.
Avianca Cargo Network
Avianca Cargo’s extensive network connects to more than 68 destinations, 56 of which are online.
220 dedicated cargo flights are bolsterd by the utilization of belly space in more than 1,800 passenger flights weekly.
The company has now established itself as one of the region’s largest and most environmentally conscious cargo operators.
The capability is further evidenced by Avianca Cargo’s status as the first airline in the Americas to obtain IATA CEIV certifications. It holds four category qualifications covering Pharma, Fresh, Live, and Lithium Batteries.
This achievement underscores the operator’s capabilities in specialized cargo handling. Danilo Correa, AeroUnion’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition.
“We are happy to receive the new A330 P2F, an aircraft that comes to reinforce our service and reliability offer. It increases our volumetric capacity and improves our connectivity to the West Coast markets in our region.”
Airport Approval
The expansion has also been welcomed by airport authorities. Doug Webster, Interim Chief Operations & Maintenance Officer at Los Angeles World Airports, commended Avianca Cargo’s long history of innovative air cargo solutions.
Webster pointed to its commitment to creating economic opportunities in Los Angeles. He noted that the addition of the A330P2F at LAX would “continue to enhance air freight services by meeting market demands and the evolving needs of the logistics community.”
Conclusion
This expansion comes at a time when Avianca Cargo is riding high on recent accolades. In 2023, the company was recognized as the Best Cargo Airline in the Americas by Air Cargo News.
In 2024, it received the ESG Award from the Aviation Achievement Awards, highlighting its commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.
As for AeroUnion, the Mexican cargo airline founded 22 years ago continues to provide tailored solutions to meet the volatile needs of the market.
With a focus on flexibility, security, and exceptional service, AeroUnion plays a crucial role in connecting America with the world through its logistics solutions.
This strategic expansion and partnership between Avianca Cargo and AeroUnion represent a significant step forward in enhancing air cargo services across the Americas.
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