Liège Airport in Belgium and Brazil’s Viracopos International Airport used the backdrop of TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum in Miami, to announce a commercial partnership aimed at strengthening their gateways and attracting new freighter services between Europe and South America. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 27OCT26, by Frederic Brun of Liège and Maria Fan of Viracopos. The airports will build a shared target list, exchange market intelligence, hold regular meetings and promote the corridor jointly at industry events. Possible incentives for operators and technical studies into new all-cargo services are also under consideration. Both airports are operators of dedicated cargo infrastructure and are focused particularly on time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive commodities. Therefore, pharmaceuticals are a leading priority. Viracopos reports a 43% rise in pharmaceutical import value this year. A cold warehouse is being constructed, that will double its storage capacity. Liège will share its long-standing expertise in the sector. Technology is another focus: Viracopos handles 45% of Brazil’s high-tech air freight imports, and the country’s REData regime, which suspends federal taxes on qualifying data center equipment for five years, could stimulate further demand. International e-commerce is also targeted, supported by a new 20,000 m² warehouse with expanded X-ray screening at Viracopos.
Liège’s Asia–Europe network complements Viracopos’ South American reach, opening possibilities for Asia–Latin America flows via Belgium. No airline commitments or launch dates have yet been announced, and talks remain confidential. Success will depend on matching demand to airline needs and proving the corridor’s operational reliability.
Frederic Brun, VP Sales & Marketing at Liège Airport, announced: “This partnership brings together two airports with a clear commitment to developing cargo business around customer needs. By working with Viracopos, we can identify opportunities across Europe, Brazil and onward markets, combining our networks and specialist handling capabilities. Our priority is to build relationships with airlines and forwarders that can support sustainable route development, while giving shippers efficient connections for pharmaceuticals, technology and other valuable cargo moving between these important trading regions in both directions.”
Maria Fan, Chief Commercial Officer at Viracopos International Airport, added: “Viracopos is investing in the facilities and capabilities needed to support the next stage of Brazilian air cargo growth. Our partnership with Liège creates an opportunity to connect that investment with a complementary European gateway. Together, we intend to engage airlines, forwarders and shippers, understand their requirements and develop practical solutions. We see particular potential in pharmaceuticals, technology and international e-commerce, where reliable handling and connectivity are essential to supporting our customers and their businesses.”
