LATAM Airlines Group has launched a non-stop flight between Guarulhos and Lisbon.

According to the carrier, the new flight is operated five times a week with a Boeing 767-300ER.

“Brazil is a highly demanded and growing market for European exports as well as for passengers,” said Guido Henke, commercial director of Europe at LATAM Cargo. “Being able to offer capacity out of Europe from our seven and soon eight hubs including our Lisbon operation starting as from September 3 will ensure to all our customers a variety of options in order to guarantee speed, consistency and reliability within our network and product portfolio.”

The inaugural service carried more than 6 tonnes of belly cargo for Panalpina.

“This new, direct LATAM Cargo route will increase the connectivity between Europe and South America and improve speed and reliability for our customers on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Markus Muecke, global head of air freight procurement and product management at Panalpina. “For Panalpina, Brazil is one of the strongest growing air freight markets, so this new route is a great opportunity for us to expand our business even more.”

The new flight will primarily benefit cargo transportation from the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of continental Europe to South America by reducing travel time between the two markets.

“Over the years, LATAM Cargo and Panalpina have intensified their partnership and significantly grown volumes – not only on the southbound route from Europe to Latin America, especially with automotive cargo, but out of Latin America too, with general cargo, pharmaceuticals or perishables,” said Muecke. “LATAM offers the right mix of belly and freighter capacity and performs very well. We enjoy close cooperation on all levels between our companies and we look forward to growing the business together.”