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Atlas Air, ABX Air Seek Clearance for U.S.-Venezuela Cargo Service

Atlas Air and ABX Air have petitioned the Department of Transportation for exemptions to resume cargo operations between the United States and Venezuela following a seven-year suspension of commercial air service. Atlas Air requests authority to begin operations on Aug. 1 using a Boeing 767-300 freighter, with routes spanning Miami, New York, Houston and Los Angeles to Caracas. The carrier proposed an initial routing of Miami-Caracas-Bogota-Miami, with potential for larger aircraft depending on demand. ABX Air, an Air Transport Services Group subsidiary operating exclusively Boeing 767 converted freighters, requested authority for scheduled and charter service from eastern U.S. points to Venezuela. Both carriers seek two-year exemptions. Atlas stated it does not object to ABX's concurrent approval. Venezuela's interim government has restored diplomatic ties with the United States following recent political transitions, prompting the Transportation and Homeland Security departments to lift previous flight suspension orders.