LATAM Cargo to gain 91 tonnes of capacity on new São Paulo–Geneva route, boosting pharma exports

LATAM Cargo is set to benefit from up to 91 tonnes of new belly cargo capacity following the launch of LATAM Airlines Brasil’s direct passenger service between São Paulo and Geneva in March 2027.

The service will operate three times a week with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering 55 tonnes of weekly outbound capacity from São Paulo to Geneva and 36 tonnes of inbound capacity into South America. This expansion is expected to significantly reduce transit times for South American exporters, particularly those shipping pharmaceuticals and high-value goods.

From January to July, pharmaceutical cargo shipments between Europe and Brazil handled by LATAM Cargo grew by approximately 150% compared to the same period last year, highlighting the increasing demand for reliable air freight solutions on this corridor.

The new connection is strategically important for both regions. For Europe, the direct Geneva route will support logistics for pharmaceutical and high-value industries, offering faster and more predictable shipping options. For Latin America, especially Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, the service enhances opportunities for exporters and importers to access European markets more efficiently.

Claudio Torres, commercial vice president for South America at LATAM Cargo Group, said the route will reinforce the company’s pharma logistics capabilities, while Jorge Carretero, cargo sales director for Europe at LATAM Airlines, highlighted the potential for greater trade flows between the continents.

While the route presents opportunities, operational challenges remain, including the need to maintain CEIV Pharma certification and adapt to potential fluctuations in demand. Nonetheless, the increased cargo capacity is likely to improve LATAM Cargo’s competitiveness against traditional European hubs and position it strongly in the fast-growing pharma and high-value goods sectors.