Delivering Hope: IAG Cargo Delivers Aid to Grenada After Hurricane Beryl

In a world where logistics is crucial to disaster response, IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, continues to lead in delivering essential aid during humanitarian crises. Recently, IAG Cargo partnered with the Grenada Overseas Association Manchester, All Saints Parish Church Bedford, and the Grenada High Commission in the UK to provide vital relief to Grenada after the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on the 1st July.

Swift Response Through Strategic Logistics

The effects of Hurricane Beryl were widespread, leaving Grenada with damaged homes, compromised infrastructure, and critical shortages of basic supplies. Understanding that time is of the essence in such emergencies, IAG Cargo swiftly activated its extensive logistics network to ensure that aid reached those in need without delay. The operation demonstrates the vital role logistics plays in bridging the gap between resources and relief, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.

In early August, critical aid was flown via a British Airways Boeing 777 to Maurice Bishop International Airport in Grenada. The cargo, facilitated by IAG Cargo, included first aid kits, water purification systems, bedding, non-perishable food items, and hygiene supplies. By efficiently coordinating the collection, packaging, and transportation of these resources, IAG Cargo ensured that the supplies arrived exactly where and when they were needed, addressing urgent challenges in housing, agriculture, and infrastructure.

A Global Partnership for Grenada’s Recovery

The impact of this collaboration was underscored by Her Excellency Rachér Croney, High Commissioner for Grenada. She stated, “Without the efforts of Grenadians in the diaspora answering the call and rising to the challenge, this could not have been possible. We certainly could not have done it without the partnerships and philanthropic contributions of international organizations such as IAG Cargo. We are thankful for their assistance and generosity during our time of need”.

Logistics lies at the heart of effective disaster response. John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Cargo, emphasized this point: “IAG Cargo is committed to swift action during humanitarian crises. Leveraging our global network, we are proud to collaborate with charities to deliver essential aid to Grenada, and I’m thankful to our team who have worked tirelessly to support this effort”. The ability to mobilize resources across international borders and navigate complex supply chains illustrates the transformative power of logistics during crises.

The Critical Role of Logistics in Recovery

The logistics behind this operation highlight the importance of coordination, timing, and reliability in disaster recovery. The difference logistics made here is evident in the prompt delivery of aid that could directly alleviate suffering, prevent disease, and restore stability to communities in crisis. From planning routes to ensuring temperature control for sensitive items, logistics professionals at IAG Cargo played a pivotal role in translating the goodwill of donors into meaningful support on the ground.

This isn’t the first time IAG Cargo’s logistics expertise has had a profound impact. In previous initiatives, the company facilitated the shipment of 125 tonnes of aid with the British Red Cross to Ukraine, delivered 3,000 cricket items to Pakistan following flooding, and transported the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton cast ahead of the Natural History Museum’s exhibition. Each of these endeavors showcases how logistics, when applied effectively, can turn complex operations into life-changing deliveries.

For Grenada, the timely delivery of aid means faster recovery, more resilient communities, and hope restored. Logistics isn’t just about moving goods; it’s about making a difference. As IAG Cargo continues to leverage its capabilities, the global logistics network remains a lifeline for those in need, transforming challenges into opportunities for recovery and renewal.

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Expansion of Temperature-controlled Perishables Hub

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has recently invested €1.5 million into the expansion of its temperature-controlled perishables facility in Madrid. This forms part of a total €12 million invested in the business’ Spanish hub over the last 6 years.

As the first point of entry into the EU for perishables, IAG Cargo boasts an extensive network of connections from Latin America, with Madrid serving as a vital centre for distribution of produce across the region. This investment will increase the total capacity of the facility by 45% and will home 1,340 square metres of dedicated temperature-controlled space for perishable goods, offering customers the largest cooling chambers at Madrid airport. These chambers bring improved reliability and efficiency to IAG Cargo’s cold chain operations in Europe and are monitored 24/7 to ensure temperature sensitive goods are held in the correct conditions.

Fernando Terol Armas, Director of Spanish Hub and Operations at IAG Cargo said: “We are thrilled to announce this latest investment in our Madrid facility, which further demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest quality service to our customers. With the expansion of our temperature-controlled space and state-of-the-art cooling chambers, we can now offer even greater capacity for perishable goods, ensuring their integrity is maintained throughout the supply chain. This investment will enable us to continue to serve as a vital link between Latin America and Europe, and we look forward to supporting our customers’ growth in this region.”

Ramon Rey, International Director of Eurobanan that houses tropical fruit brand Isla Bonita added, “We are delighted by the additional capacity IAG Cargo has created at their perishables facility in Madrid. This development will allow us to continue delivering premium quality fruits and vegetables to consumers across Spain year-round. With enhanced logistics, IAG Cargo enables us to ensure that freshness is never compromised.”

The expansion of this facility will benefit customers importing fruit and vegetables, including asparagus from Peru and Los Angeles, papayas from Brazil, and mangos from Dominican Republic, as well as meat from Argentina and Uruguay, and fish, such as hake and salmon, from Chile.

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IAG Cargo Launches Service to Cincinnati

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (BA and Iberia), today announces it will be starting a new direct service between London-Heathrow and Cincinnati, Ohio for the first time in its history.

From 5th June, IAG Cargo customers are now able to export and import vital goods between London-Heathrow and Cincinnati, Ohio five days week during the summer months, and four times a week during the winder period. The route will be essential for the movement of e-commerce, a key source of revenue for the U.S generating $272.6 billion of revenue in the first quarter of 2023.

Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo said: “The transatlantic corridor is one of the world’s most important trade lanes, and a vital part of our network and so we’re pleased to support our customers with a new route to Cincinnati. With this direct route from one of our key hubs, London, customers can benefit from our wider network that spans across six continents to transport the regions high in demand imports and exports.”

This new route supports IAG Cargo’s increased schedule into the United States, where the company now serves 27 US destinations. Popular items shipped across this trade lane have included high volumes of automotive parts from Southeast Asia, transferred via Europe, into the United States, as well as sporting equipment, food and drink and ecommerce items like home office equipment.

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and bmi, IAG Cargo now covers a global network.

In 2022 IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,615 million. Its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), is one of the world’s largest airline groups with 558 aircraft at 31st December 2022.

IAG Cargo Restarts China Flights

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) announces it will restart services between London-Heathrow and Beijing and Shanghai after almost two years, as China reopens its borders to tourists.

From 23rd April, IAG Cargo customers will be able to export and import vital goods on a daily rotation between London-Heathrow and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. In addition, services between London-Heathrow and Beijing Daxing Airport will resume on June 3rd, with four flights each week.

During the early pandemic period, IAG Cargo offered customers cargo-only services and charters between the UK and China to support the delivery of essential cargo needed for the fight against covid-19. The business helped governments and private customers transport more than 11,000 tonnes of vital PPE and medical supplies from China.

From January 2020 and summer of 2021, IAG Cargo operated 700 charters and 160 cargo-only flights to China, with the last cargo-only service between London Heathrow and Shanghai in June 2021, and last cargo-only service to Beijing in July 2021.

Camilo Garcia Cervera, IAG Cargo Chief Sales and Marketing Officer said: “Europe – China is one of the world’s most important trade lanes, and a vital part of our network; we’re so pleased to be reopening the route after a long pause. With high-tech items, ecommerce, clothing and automotive driving both imports and exports, we can help customers to stay better connected with their trading partners across the world. Customers using our services also benefit from our wider network, that continues to grow and spans across six continents.”

Eligible customers seeking to use IAG Cargo’s services also benefit from IAG Cargo’s loyalty programmes; FORWARD.REWARDS and FORWARD.PLATINUM. Customers also have the option of utilising IAG Cargo’s extensive network, offering easy and convenient access to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and bmi, IAG Cargo now covers a global network.

Titanosaur Skeleton Flown from Argentina to UK

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, has safely delivered one of the largest dinosaurs to walk the Earth on a shipment from Buenos Aires to London Heathrow. The titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum is around the same length as a British Airways’ Airbus A320 aircraft or four double decker buses.

The Natural History Museum confirmed IAG Cargo as its official exhibition logistics partner for its upcoming exhibition Titanosaur: Life as the biggest dinosaur back in November 2022. Now on UK soil, this will be the first time the magnificent titanosaur will be displayed in Europe.

The dinosaur’s journey started in Trelow, Argentina, from where the cast travelled to Buenos Aires before it moved onto London. In Trelow, Argentina, Patagotitan was dismantled into more than 40 crates – to be flown in the bellyhold of two British Airways B787-9 passenger aircrafts. Upon landing at London Heathrow, the unique freight was transported to a special facility ahead of its journey to the Natural History Museum where it will be re-assembled ready for public display in March.

IAG Cargo has many years of experience in transporting high-value, unique and precious consignments via its dedicated ‘Secure’ product, ensuring total peace of mind when it comes to moving cargo like the awe-inspiring titanosaur.

John Cheetham, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Cargo commented: “It is a privilege to partner with the Natural History Museum as the custodian of some of the world’s most important scientific artefacts. I want to thank our teams in Argentina and the UK who made this colossal task of transporting a 37-metre dinosaur a reality.”

Alex Burch, Director of Public Programmes at the Natural History Museum commented: “We’re pleased to have IAG Cargo as our exhibition logistics partner on this exhibition. As one of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth, it is so important that we are able to showcase this cast to the public, connecting our visitors with nature and inspiring them to care for the large animals we share the planet with today.”

British Airways’ Captain Simon Boswell, said: “I and the entire team felt honoured and privileged to fly this unique artefact from Argentina to the UK, and it was really very special to have been able to carry this precious cargo on a British Airways’ aircraft. Working with our sister company IAG Cargo, we’re delighted to have been able to play our part in its safe onward journey.”

The Natural History Museum is both a world-leading science research centre and the most-visited indoor attraction in the UK. With a vision of a future in which both people and the planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity’s needs with those of the natural world.

It is custodian of one of the world’s most important scientific collections comprising over 80 million specimens accessed by researchers from all over the world both in person and via over 30 billion digital data downloads to date. The Museum’s 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency from biodiversity loss through to the sustainable extraction of natural resources.

The Museum uses its global reach and influence to meet its mission to create advocates for the planet – to inform, inspire and empower everyone to make a difference for nature. We welcome millions of visitors through our doors each year, our website has had 17 million visits in the last year and our touring exhibitions have been seen by around 20 million people in the last 10 years.

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and bmi, IAG Cargo now covers a global network. In 2021, IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,673 million. It has a combined workforce of more than 2,250 people. Its parent company, International Airlines Group, is one of the world’s largest airline groups with 531 aircraft at 31st December 2021. It is the third largest group in Europe and the sixth largest in the world, based on revenue.

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