What factors influence new and increased services, what makes IAG Cargo’s network stand out, and what new routes are on the horizon? We spoke with IAG Cargo’s Nic Nyamatore to find out.
Tell us about your role at IAG Cargo.
My role focusses on route development for our global network, providing our customers with more choice and further reach over where they can ship their goods. My team and I closely collaborate with the carriers within International Airlines Group (IAG); British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Level. We work with determined attitudes to ensure IAG Cargo is represented across all network and route development activities, often influencing the best capacity for cargo. To do this well, we analyse data and work with internal cargo colleagues to understand our capacity requirements.
An instance of this, is our collaboration with the Africa sales team in assessing the advantages of transitioning to a larger aircraft for the London Heathrow (LHR) to Nairobi (NBO) route. We collaborated with our colleagues across the Group to explore options for boosting capacity, and this resulted in the enhancement of aircraft type from a Boeing 777-200 to an Airbus 350-1000, representing a 50% increase in pallet capacity per departure.
What is unique about IAG Cargo’s network, and how does this benefit customers?
IAG Cargo has a unique customer offering as we operate an airfreight network that uses the combined strength of the five airlines within the IAG group. Our network spans six continents and our four hubs; London, Madrid, Dublin, and Barcelona, are ideally positioned to feed into key destinations around the world. For example, we can move high volumes of automotive parts from Southeast Asia, via our Madrid hub, into the United States and South America.
What factors do you consider when deciding new or increased routes?
Key factors include customer demand, network balance, operational capability, and profitability. We need to understand where there is elasticity for growth, balance the network for transshipping traffic, and our operations need to be able to handle capacity growth. Our highest priority is meeting our customers’ needs, so they are constantly kept in mind when making these strategic decisions.
What are some of the most cargo-friendly aircraft types, and why?
The Boeing 777-300 and A350-1000 in the British Airways’ fleet offer the greatest freight capacity and their engine power means they can reach far-off markets, such as LATAM and APAC. This makes them very appealing to IAG Cargo and our customers. The new Airbus 350-900 aircraft within Iberia’s fleet is both cargo friendly and fuel efficient.
Tell us about the newly acquired BA aircraft.
British Airways recently announced that more Boeing 787-10s will be joining the fleet in a couple of years. This aircraft has an efficient belly hold infrastructure, allowing us to carry the greatest volume of cargo out of all the Boeing 787 fleet.
Any new or increased services coming up for the winter season or early 2024?
Yes, Iberia is launching its Madrid-to-Doha route starting this December. Aer Lingus also recently announced two new routes: Dublin to Minneapolis in April 2024, and Dublin to Denver in May 2024. In terms of frequency, this winter, Iberia is increasing flights from Madrid to Santiago in Chile, and Level is increasing flights from Barcelona to Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Our network is constantly evolving to reach more global markets and to meet our customers cargo needs.
Head to our website here to see where you can fly your freight on our global network.