This is what the freight carrier has christened its newest B777F fleet member, registered D-ALFL, thus honoring Argentina’s role as a key market within the airline’s global network. The naming of the aircraft is part of the “Say hello to the world” concept designed as a gesture of courtesy to countries served by Lufthansa Cargo. In parallel to this event held in Buenos Aires, Avianca Cargo and Angolan carrier, TAAG Cargo signed a partnership agreement in Brazil.
Lufthansa Cargo has been connecting Frankfurt with Buenos Aires for 55 years, initially offering cargo capacity in the lower decks of the carrier’s passenger fleet. Freighter flights followed years later. Currently, Lufthansa Cargo operates two weekly B777F rotations, each with stopovers in Viracopos, Brazil, and Montevideo, Uruguay. In addition, the market has access to abundant lower deck cargo capacity on board of the daily flights between Frankfurt and Buenos Aires. These are part of the 20 weekly rotations from Frankfurt, supplemented by three rotations per week from Munich to destinations in South America, mainly Brazil.
Mercosur treaty is expected to boost cargo volumes
Argentina with its strong agricultural sector but also its thriving energy and raw materials market, will remain an important economic pillar in the Latin American trade network, despite increasing global uncertainties. Trade between the EU and South America, and therefore the volume of air freight, is likely to increase significantly once the Mercosur treaty is sealed, which is expected to happen before the end of this year. Once this has been accomplished, the largest free trade zone in the world will be established, spanning across the Atlantic and affecting more than 700 million people.
Win-win
While European companies will be able to sell their products more cheaply in the Mercosur countries, with their inhabitants benefitting from lower import prices, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will gain access to Europe’s large food market which should boost their exports. In addition, both trading partners become less dependent on China and the USA, and can establish more advantageous trade links with other regions of the world such as Africa, India or Southeast Asia.
“South America is and will continue to be an important growth market for Lufthansa Cargo. Especially in the perishables industry, we have built strong partnerships with our customers over the last three decades. With the christening of our latest freighter, we are emphasizing our commitment to Argentina and, in line with our motto of ‘enabling global business’, are also committing to this market and our customers,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, during the christening ceremony at Buenos Aires Airport.
TAAG Cargo and Avianca Cargo sign win-win agreement
At the same time, two and a half hours further north, in São Paulo, leading managers of Avianca Cargo and TAAG Cargo signed a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA). Though this strategic move, both carriers aim to strengthen their cargo operations and widen market access across the Atlantic. The collaboration offers their customers a broader network, better connectivity, and preferential rates, helping to drive business growth and open new international trade routes. Through this partnership, TAAG will expand its presence beyond São Paulo, gaining access to key South American destinations such as Bogotá in Colombia, Santiago in Chile, Lima in Peru, Montevideo in Uruguay, and Quito in Ecuador, by co-loading freight shipments on board of its Latin American partner’s fleet. Conversely, Avianca Cargo gains a strong foothold in the Angolan market including the neighboring south African countries. While Avianca does not offer flights between South America and Africa, TAAG serves Luanda-São Paulo, operating multiple passenger B777 flights.
