The cargo subsidiary of Chilean airline LAN Chile has been authorised to establish a new cargo carrier in Colombia, according to a press release.
The endorsement of LAN Cargo’s project by the Colombian authorities enables the new affiliate to initiate the operational and technical certification process.
LAN cargo estimates the process will take six months to complete, meaning the new Colombian carrier could launch operations during the first quarter of 2009.
“We are very pleased to continue with the consolidation of our cargo network, connecting the region’s main productive centres and markets, while reaffirming LAN Cargo’s objective of uniting Latin America with the rest of the world,” said Cristian Ureta, chief executive officer of LAN Cargo.
Colombia is currently the largest air cargo market in Latin America in terms of exports to the US, handling an estimated 200,000 tonnes per year.
Once launched, LAN Cargo claims the affiliate company in Colombia will significantly contribute to the development of the Latin American market by providing connectivity to the US and within Latin America.
