Carrier cements leadership in South American perishables logistics with expanded operations and 4% YoY growth
Claudio Torres Faini, Commercial Vice President for South America at LATAM Cargo, emphasized the company’s dedication to the floriculture sector:
“The strong results achieved this Mother’s Day season are a clear testimony to the trust our customers place in LATAM. Our commitment to the floriculture industry and to each of our customers goes beyond the high-demand seasons; we are present throughout the year, ensuring the capacity and excellent service they require for their operations.”
LATAM Group’s cargo affiliates have concluded another record-setting Mother’s Day flower season, moving more than 25,000 tons of fresh-cut blooms from Colombia and Ecuador to global markets, reinforcing the airline’s dominance in the region’s perishables air freight sector.
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Over a 21-day period leading up to the global Mother’s Day celebration, LATAM Cargo executed a meticulously coordinated operation, operating more than 430 cargo flights out of Bogotá, Medellín, and Quito. The surge in demand saw the carrier boost its flight frequency from both countries by 48%, connecting key floriculture hubs with high-demand markets across North America and Europe.
Of the total floral exports handled, approximately 13,000 tons were shipped from Colombia and 12,000 tons from Ecuador—figures that represent a 4% increase over last year’s Mother’s Day season. The performance underscores both LATAM’s operational agility and its growing market share in a critical vertical of South America’s export economy.
“These results are a clear reflection of the trust placed in us by our customers,” said Claudio Torres Faini, Commercial Vice President for South America at LATAM Cargo. “Our commitment to the floriculture industry goes beyond seasonal peaks. We’re here year-round, ensuring consistent capacity, reliable service, and tailored solutions that support the ongoing development of this key economic sector.”
The airline’s dedicated cargo fleet—the largest in Latin America—played a central role in the operation. LATAM’s ability to scale up quickly and manage the logistics of delicate perishables at volume highlights its expertise in time- and temperature-sensitive cargo.
The floriculture industry in Colombia and Ecuador remains one of the top non-traditional export sectors for both countries, with Mother’s Day accounting for one of the busiest periods in the annual shipping calendar. With a proven track record in delivering complex logistical operations under pressure, LATAM Cargo continues to position itself as the preferred partner for exporters in the region.
Operational Highlights:
- Flight Operations: Over 430 cargo flights were conducted from Bogotá, Medellín, and Quito, facilitating the export of approximately 552 million flower stems to destinations across North America and Europe.
- Capacity Expansion: In response to heightened demand, LATAM Cargo increased its flight frequencies by 48% compared to regular operations, ensuring timely delivery of perishable goods.
- Volume Distribution: Approximately 13,000 tons of flowers were transported from Colombia, while Ecuador contributed around 12,000 tons to the total volume.
