Leschaco Iberia, the Spanish branch of the globally active logistics service provider Leschaco, has been accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to act as an IATA cargo agent.

The certification means that 14 of the 24 countries, in which Leschaco is currently represented with its own offices, are now official IATA cargo agents.

Oliver Kaut, head of global product management airfreight at Leschaco Iberia, said: “We are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service quality and safety standards.”

Mathias Reiser, managing director of Leschaco Iberia, said: “With the IATA approval, we are expanding Leschaco Iberia’s business and now have a fully certified process for our customers’ airfreight shipments.”

IATA is made up of representatives from 400 strategic partners in aviation and 300 airlines. Together, these airlines cover 82 per cent of the world’s air passenger and cargo traffic.

Through this network, Leschaco Iberia is now represented as an IATA cargo agent in all the world’s major cities and can dispatch its customers’ air cargo shipments directly, quickly and on time according to their requirements, coordinate the loading and unloading of air cargo, collect freight and handle customs formalities.

Furthermore, IATA cargo agents can issue documents on behalf of airlines, such as an air waybill (AWB), and have access to the e-freight project, which aims to digitise the industry, including the creation of electronic air waybills (e-AWB).

IATA’s tasks include setting uniform tariffs and conditions and standardising processes in international air transport, as well as setting worldwide standards for safety, handling and processing.

IATA declares companies that meet certain requirements to be agents. In addition to providing proof of their financial capacity and professional competence, IATA cargo agents must regularly train employees in the proper handling of dangerous goods.

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