Diogo Elias, senior vice president at Avianca Cargo, shares the transformative impact of the carrier’s investments in technology, infrastructure, and environmental responsibility.
The aviation cargo industry is transforming rapidly, with sustainability, efficiency, and customer-centricity driving innovation.
Leading this charge is Avianca Cargo, a 52-year-old carrier that has firmly established itself as one of the top six cargo airlines in the world.
With a bold vision and strategic initiatives, we have emerged as a key player in connecting Latin America to the global market.
Over the past three years, Avianca Cargo has embarked on a remarkable transformation journey marked by a redefined brand identity and a commitment to sustainable growth.
With a robust network spanning over 350 destinations worldwide through interline agreements, cargo and passenger flights, we have become synonymous with reliability and excellence in air cargo logistics.
Revolutionising sustainability with fleet expansion
Avianca Cargo has prioritised sustainability through strategic fleet expansion in an industry where carbon footprints are under intense scrutiny.
Recognising the critical role of modern, efficient aircraft in reducing emissions, we have made significant strides in upgrading our fleet.
According to aviation consultancy IBA, the average age of cargo aircraft in Latin America is 21.2 years. Avianca Cargo’s fleet, however, boasts an average age of just 10.1 years – a staggering 51% younger. Our youthful fleet, highlighted by the introduction of the A330 P2F in July 2024, not only enhances payload capacity but also reduces environmental impact:
In the third quarter of 2024, CO2 emissions per RTK (revenue tonne kilometre) were 2% lower than in the second quarter.
We implemented 24 fuel conservation initiatives, preventing 1,954 tonnes of CO2 emissions by September 2024.
These advancements underscore Avianca Cargo’s commitment to balancing operational growth with environmental responsibility.
Connecting Latin America to the world
Avianca Cargo has leveraged its strategic position to become an expert in connecting Latin America to global markets. Miami serves as a critical hub, currently operating our largest direct network connecting 25 destinations across the Americas.
One year after we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkish Cargo, the partnership launched a new service between Liège, Belgium, and Miami, enhancing cargo connectivity between Asia and the Americas.
Operational consistency has been another hallmark of Avianca Cargo’s success:
78% schedule completion rate and 78% consistency in itinerary offers in 2024 year-to-date
A record-breaking 17 additional flights during Chile’s cherry season led to seamless export operations for one of the region’s key commodities.
These achievements highlight our ability to adapt to market demands while maintaining reliability.
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Avianca Cargo is a 52-year-old carrier that has firmly established itself as one of the top six cargo airlines in the world.
Raising the bar in infrastructure and processes
Efficiency and reliability are at the core of Avianca Cargo’s operations, bolstered by continuous investments in infrastructure and bleeding-edge technology. Our investments have yielded several industry-first accomplishments:
Avianca Cargo became the first cargo airline in the Americas to achieve four CEIV certifications from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This reflects our adherence to the highest standards in handling lithium, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and live animals.
At our Miami hub, the Jetfloor expansion project increased warehouse capacity by 83%, reduced delivery times, and improved claims management, setting new benchmarks for operational excellence.
Bogota’s (BOG) hub achieved record levels of connectivity, with over 85% widebody and freighter connections enabled.
Our adoption of digital platforms such as CargoAi, cargo.one and WebCargo has further streamlined our processes, making 100% of our routes available for GCR cargo.
Furthermore, integration with CargoWise has enhanced efficiency across six countries, benefiting over 25 cargo agents. A 24/7 Booking Center and Customer Support team ensures round-the-clock availability, delivering an industry-leading customer experience.
Driving cost efficiency through innovation
Cost efficiency is pivotal in a competitive industry. Avianca Cargo achieved notable milestones by embracing advanced technologies and optimising operations, including a 0.8% reduction in fuel consumption per tonne through innovative air operations practices.
Payload optimisation efforts resulted in an 8% increase in payload maximisation, reflecting improved flight and ground procedures.
Customer service enhancements have also been a focal point:
Backed by a specialised team, we have addressed over 40,000 customer requests in 2024 alone.
Service Level Agreement (SLA) compliance improved by 22 percentage points in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Avianca Cargo has positioned itself as a cost-efficient partner for businesses worldwide by centralising operations and standardising processes.
A commitment to excellence and sustainability
Our unwavering dedication to customers is at the heart of Avianca Cargo’s transformation. The company’s redefined brand identity – “We are doing it for you!” – reflects this ethos.
A clear commitment to empower clients and support their growth drives every innovation, investment, and initiative Avianca Cargo makes.
With a focus on four strategic pillars – fleet and network, customer value proposition, infrastructure and processes, and cost efficiency – we have delivered exceptional results. Our achievements underscore a relentless pursuit of excellence, sustainability, and innovation.
As Avianca Cargo continues to chart its path forward, we remain an exemplar of what’s possible when vision, strategy, and customer focus converge. We serve as a beacon for an industry at the crossroads of transformation, lighting the way toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.
More about Diogo Elias: With over 20 years of experience spanning diverse industries including aviation, technology, retail, logistics, proptech, and financial services, Elias has spent more than a decade in executive roles driving commercial and operational strategies. He joined Avianca Cargo in 2023 and serves as senior vice president. Prior to this, Elias held prominent roles at LATAM Airlines in São Paulo, including director of sales and marketing and managing director at LATAM Cargo. His career also includes leadership positions at esteemed companies such as Loft, Natura, Itaú, and Microsoft. Elias holds an MBA with a focus on strategy and general management from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Business from the University of São Paulo, emphasising operational management and statistical modeling.
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