LATAM Cargo has added Chicago to its network with the launch of non-stop flights from Santiago and Campinas.

According to LATAM, the Campinas flight is operated twice-weekly with a Boeing 767-300F with a capacity of approximately 50 tonnes and cuts transit time to less than 17 hours, with the possibility of connecting to Buenos Aires and Santiago.

“The Chicago-Campinas route will allow us to provide premium cargo service to customers of the US Midwest by cutting transit time between both cities from more than two days to less than 17 hours,” said Gabriel Oliva, commercial director of North America, Europe and Asia at LATAM Cargo. “Also, due to Chicago’s strategic location, we will provide great connectivity with Asia.”

The route will transport different types of cargo with the different services and care options under LATAM Cargo’s portfolio.

“Many sectors will be benefitted by this new route, which is confirmed by the interest the market has shown in being part of this new destination,” Oliva said. “Our clients trust us because of our experience and commitment with a service of the highest of standards, assuring the quality of their cargo at all times.”

The route will also carry other dry cargo and pharmaceuticals. LATAM has seen the transportation of pharmaceutical products grow by 52% over the past three years.

“Transporting delicate cargo, as is the case of pharmaceuticals, requires special attention,” said Oliva. “For this reason, and in an effort to protect quality, we have access to temperature-controlled storage facilities that may be expanded if needed.”

The Santiago flight is also operated twice-weekly with a 767-300F. It will transport mainly salmon and cut transit time to under 35 hours.

Chile is the largest exporter of salmon in the region, with growing demand from the Asian market. Approximately 700 tonnes were transported per week in 2018.

“Chicago is a key gateway in the United States and an ideal connecting point to Asia,” said Andrés Bianchi, CEO of LATAM Cargo. “Our new flights to and from the city provide our customers with access to key destinations and improved transit times. As the leading carrier in South America we are committed to improving connectivity between the region and the world while providing customers with more alternatives to reach their goals.”

LATAM now operates more than 34 routes between Latin America and the US. Chicago is its seventh gateway in the US, joining Boston, Huntsville, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Orlando.

“We are pleased to welcome our newest partners to O’Hare and thank them for choosing to grow their operations from the city of Chicago,” said Jamie L. Rhee, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. “Each new flight added to O’Hare enhances our leading connectivity, creating new jobs and opportunity for residents, and fuelling economic impact throughout our city. Supported by our continued investments in our state-of-the-art cargo campus, we are committed to increasing access for worldwide businesses to move goods in and out of Chicago through O’Hare.”