AIR CARG O WEEK


THE AMERICAS


UNITED CARGO SUPERCHARGES AMERICAS: NETWORK, VERTICALS, DIGITAL BRILLIANCE UNLEASHED


“We are investing in scalable digital booking tools, expanding our express and small package handling capabilities, and working with customers to ensure we can meet their needs.”


U


nited Cargo is the heavyweight among US passenger airlines for airfreight in the Americas, especially via belly-holds and widebodies. United Cargo utilises the cargo capacity on its widebody passenger aircraft - especially the 777-300ER - to carry freight efficiently. This allows them to rank ahead of American and


Delta in cargo volumes without operating a freighter fleet. A spokesperson answers our questions on its cargo operations in the America.


ACW: What are United Cargo’s key strategic priorities in the Americas over the next 3 to 5 years? United Cargo is focused on three core priorities in the Americas: firstly, strengthening our network in high-demand corridors, particularly between North and South America; secondly, supporting strategic verticals like healthcare, perishables and e-commerce, and thirdly, supporting our customer with our world class sales team while also accelerating digital transformation to enhance booking and tracking capabilities for customers. We’re also investing in infrastructure and technology to support greater shipment visibility, improved transit reliability, and increased operational efficiency. Additionally, we’re aligning closely with our passenger network planning to ensure cargo demand is integrated into route decisions and new market entries. These priorities are underpinned by our commitment to delivering customer-centric solutions and staying competitive in an evolving logistics landscape.


ACW: How is United Cargo preparing for projected growth in cross-border e-commerce between North and South America? We are investing in scalable digital booking tools, expanding our express and small package handling capabilities, and working with customers to ensure we can meet their needs. We’re also increasing capacity and frequency on key trade lanes, especially between the US, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. Our


focus is on streamlining operations providers for


faster handoffs. Our focus is on streamlining operations at our origin and destination airport warehouse to provide faster handoffs for our customers. In addition, we’re exploring leveraging automation in our hubs to keep pace with the speed and scale of e-commerce growth.


ACW: With the rise in nearshoring in Mexico and Central America, how is United Cargo adapting its network and services to support this shift in supply chains? United is actively growing its presence in markets like Mexico, where we already have a strong passenger and cargo network. We’re optimising belly capacity, adding cargo handling infrastructure at key gateways,


and closely collaborating with forwarders and manufacturers to align on service needs and transit times. Nearshoring is creating new trade flows and trucking lanes as well as operational priorities accordingly. We’re also seeing increased demand for cross-border services, so we’re enhancing connectivity through hubs like IAH and LAX, which serve as key transit points for intra-Americas cargo. We upgrade aircraft / capacity in key markets throughout the region


to support higher tonnage and cargo flows during peak seasons (usually December to February).


ACW: Which emerging markets in Latin America are currently under evaluation for potential cargo expansion or new service offerings? We’re evaluating opportunities in secondary cities in Colombia, Peru and Chile, as well as underserved areas in Central America where nearshoring and fresh produce exports are creating new demand. Market potential, customer feedback and regulatory feasibility guide our expansion considerations. We’re also analysing seasonal patterns, such as peak produce harvests and export windows, to time our capacity deployments. In parallel, we’re engaging with regional authorities and local ground handlers to ensure infrastructure readiness and compliance for future service rollouts. One possibility of an emerging market in Latin, is the Oil and Gas


sector in Argentina, this will drive a demand for transportation of drilling equipment and other related products. We are also seeing growth in the following sectors textile/fashion (maquila),


(Peru, Guatemala, Honduras), high tech microchips (Costa Rica / El Salvador), medical devices (Costa Rica / Puerto Rico) car wiring harness (Honduras).


ACW: How does United Cargo foresee the evolution of regulatory or customs frameworks in the Americas affecting freight flows, particularly in South and Central America? We anticipate incremental improvements in customs modernisation and digitisation, particularly through single-window systems and pre-clearance programs. However,


regulatory complexity remains a barrier in certain


countries. We expect greater standardisation of documentation and digital submission processes, which will enhance speed and transparency. At the same time, we advocate for harmonisation across borders and actively participate in industry groups to shape regulatory reform in the region. One example for 2025 is Chile. The implementation of single-window


system to facilitate foreign trade procedures. SICEX (Integrated Foreign Trade System) project seeks to integrate the various public services involved in the export and import chains, based on international practices to improve efficiency, and simplify processes for users.


ACW: Are there specific countries or regions in the Americas where United Cargo currently does not operate? If so, what are the barriers or considerations limiting service to those areas? United Cargo focuses on demand-driven service. In some smaller markets or politically complex regions, low volumes, infrastructure limitations or bilateral aviation agreements may restrict expansion. We continually assess viability and are open to launching service when volume, profitability, and operational feasibility align. In the meantime, we may use interline partners or trucking to indirectly support customers with business in those areas.


ACW: How does United Cargo prioritise route expansion or reactivation in under-served or non-served markets within the Americas? We assess route development modelling, customer


through a combination of demand feedback, strategic alignment with passenger


services and competitive benchmarking. Cargo potential is a key part of new route business cases, especially in emerging manufacturing and export hubs. We also take into account the availability of local handling partners,


transit time advantages, and intermodal opportunities.


Sustainability, economic growth outlook, and security considerations are layered into our evaluations to ensure long-term viability.


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