Delta Cargo expands South American footprint amid global trade shifts

Delta Cargo is strengthening its presence in South America as shifting trade dynamics, including tariff disputes, have reduced air cargo volumes between China and the US. Its collaboration with LATAM Cargo Colombia reflects a shared commercial strategy aimed at expanding network reach in the region.

Alongside this partnership, Delta Air Lines has announced a new alliance with IndiGo, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic to enhance connectivity between India, Europe, and North America. While the MoU primarily covers passenger operations, it leaves room for future cargo cooperation.

Despite tariff pressures and changes to de minimis rules — which have tightened capacity from the US and reshaped supply chains — Delta’s belly hold-only cargo model has shielded it from the volatility faced by freighter operators. The carrier delivered a solid first quarter in 2024 and maintained growth and market stability in the second quarter.

Delta’s cargo business posted a 14% year-on-year revenue increase in 2024, reaching $822 million, up from $723 million in 2023, reinforcing its positive outlook for the remainder of the year.