Latam Cargo has modified its flight schedules to maintain and increase freighter capacity amid the ongoing coronavirus (covid-19) crisis.

In order to maximise the use of its fleet and address the gap in belly capacity in passenger aircraft, the company has made significant modifications to its itinerary, and these include routing changes and an increase in freighter frequencies.

Freighter capacity between Santiago (Chile) and Miami has increased fivefold to benefit salmon exporters.

Also, capacity between Europe and South America has increased by 20 per cent, with a total of six weekly frequencies allowing increased transportation of automotive spare parts, general cargo and medicines to South America, as well as perishable products to Europe.

In addition, frequencies between North America and South America were increased by almost 15 per cent, totalling 26 frequencies each week.

Latam Cargo will also begin operating the Santiago (Chile) – Los Angeles freighter route to offer additional capacity for salmon transportation and to ensure coverage in the US West Coast. The return route will fly Los Angeles – Mexico City (Mexico) – Lima (Peru) – Santiago. The airline said this route will benefit the transportation of technology products, spare parts and health-oriented products.

“There are many difficulties, but we are aware of the key role we play in delivering supplies to countries and we will continue with our focus on providing our clients with more solutions”, stated, Latam Cargo’s CEO Andrés Bianchi.

The current environment has forced air cargo operators to seek alternatives to satisfy shippers. Bianchi said this new itinerary, designed and implemented at an unprecedented pace, will allow the carrier to take advantage of a dedicated freighter fleet in order to partially meet the shortfall in belly capacity.

He added: “We are working to provide our clients with more and better choices and serve as support for the region’s economy.”

Visit latamcargo.com for more information.