Colombian cargo carrier Avianca Cargo and its commercial partner AeroUnion have welcomed the arrival of a new A330 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) converted aircraft.

It comes as the companies commemorate one year of commercial collaboration that has enabled both firms to implement high operating standards, develop new business opportunities, modernise their fleets, and consolidate their offerings in the Colombian, Mexican, and North American markets.

The A330 P2F aircraft is set to increase cargo capacity by 60% compared to the aging aircraft it replaces. Four additional A330 aircraft are expected to join the fleet between 2024 and 2025.

Diogo Elias, senior vice president and leader of Avianca Cargo, said: “Freight transportation has shown significant improvement in recent years compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“Latin American exports have increased by approximately 16%, while imports have seen a 10% recovery.

“The A330 is an ideal aircraft due to its higher volumetric capacity and lower environmental impact, attributed to enhanced fuel efficiency per tonne.”

Avianca Cargo currently operates a fleet of six A330 aircraft, while AeroUnion has added five more freighters.

The new A330 will serve routes along the West Coast primarily transporting perishable products such as fruits and flowers, as well as oversized cargo for automotive, mining, and oil sectors, along with e-commerce and parcel shipments.

Danilo Correa, chief executive of Aerounion, said: “We are happy to receive the new A330 P2F, an aircraft that comes to reinforce our service and reliability offer, increasing our volumetric capacity and improving our connectivity to the West Coast markets in our region.”

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