Air Canada, Cargojet to begin freighter service to Latin America, Europe

Canada-based Cargojet is close to finalizing a deal with Air Canada Cargo, which would, in essence, construct a cargo bridge between South America and Europe via Canada. The deal, still subject to route approval, would represent Canada’s first dedicated freighter flights to Latin America. 

Once the deal is set, Cargojet would ACMI-lease and operate 767-300Fs aircraft on Air Canada Cargo’s behalf and serve routes between Toronto and destinations in Latin America and Europe. The 52-tonne-capacity aircraft will initially serve routes between Toronto and the following destinations, beginning June 9:

• Bogota, Colombia and Lima, Peru via Atlanta, GA
• Mexico City via Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

Service is expected to expand during the second half of 2016, with freighter flights between Canada and Europe, also ex-Toronto. No details have been released regarding the specifics or frequency of the European destinations or the total number of aircraft involved in the deal. A spokesperson for Cargojet added that Cargojet currently operates eight 767-300Fs, primarily for its domestic Canadian overnight network, “and all of these aircraft are available during the day and on weekends.”

“Working with Cargojet, we are able to leverage and build upon Air Canada’s extensive North American and international networks,” said Lise-Marie Turpin, vice president of Air Canada Cargo.

Ajay K. Virmani, president and CEO of Cargojet, added the deal “allows us to optimize our overall freighter aircraft utilization and to expand our range of services and customer base with Air Canada.”

Cargojet operates its network across North America, carrying approximately 590 tonnes of cargo each business night with a fleet of 22 aircraft.

Air Canada Cargo’s network extends to more than 450 destinations through interline agreements with other air carriers and through trucking services offered in selected markets,