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Air Cargo Surge to Latin America Strains Regional Infrastructure

Rapid growth in airfreight services between North America and Latin America is testing the limits of airport cargo facilities and traditional logistics operations. Air Canada has significantly expanded its presence across the region. The airline resumed service to Santiago and Lima with four weekly nonstop B787-9 flights from Montreal and four weekly from Toronto, becoming the sole carrier offering direct service on these routes. Air Canada also returned to Peru with twice-weekly B787-9 service after a three-year absence and upgraded its Bogota flights to larger aircraft. Year-round nonstop A330 service from Montreal to Guatemala City followed a successful seasonal launch in October 2025. Open skies policies in Argentina and Ecuador are attracting additional international carriers. Emirates operates seven weekly freighters from Buenos Aires, reporting 18% export growth during the January-September period. Latin American cargo volumes expanded 3% in the first half of 2026.