IAG Cargo will start offering capacity on two passenger flights operated by sister company, Iberia between Madrid Barajas Airport and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Caracas, Venezuela.

Beginning in November, there will be three return flights per week. An Iberia A350 will be utilized for the service to Caracas, while an A330-200 will be used for the service to Rio de Janeiro.

IAG Cargo noted that said the flights would facilitate the movement of perishables, flowers, and locally grown harvests such as figs, mangoes and papayas from the region.

"Every year IAG Cargo transports large volumes of perishables out of Central and South America to European markets, via its Constant Fresh service, designed to optimise shelf life using aircraft hold temperature settings monitored closely throughout the flight," it said.

The additional services come as Iberia continues to build back operations earlier halted due to Covid-19.

Recently, Iberia said that its network of flights and destinations throughout Latin America has resumed to pre-pandemic levels.

"The revival of these services will have a great impact on the economy and livelihoods in both Caracas and Rio de Janeiro, as exporting food and perishables play a huge part in their economies," commented Rodrigo Casal, regional commercial manager for Latin America at IAG Cargo.

"When it comes to transporting perishables – air cargo plays a vital role, ensuring products arrive on supermarket shelves in the same condition as harvest," Casal added.