HOUSTON – Houston Airports is expanding its global reach and affirming its influence on the global economy with the addition of LATAM Cargo at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH. The Boeing 767-300 Freighter flight, which connects Houston to Brazil, begins March 9 with twice-weekly frequency on Thursdays and Sundays. The flight route is Bush Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, United States of America > Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) in Manaus, Brazil > Viracopos International Airport (VCP) in São Paulo, Brazil. 

This flight serves as an important and direct cargo connection from Houston to Latin America and is the result of growing demand from Houston businesses for cargo service. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Brazil is Houston’s third largest trading partner and the predominant South American country for direct investment and trade with Texas.   

 LATAM Cargo, one of the largest cargo carriers in the region, will allow the Houston region to export up to 53 metric tons of products per flight to Brazil.   

 “As a primary commercial air service gateway with Latin America, the partnership between Houston Airports and LATAM Cargo is a natural progression,” said Jim Szczesniak, Chief Operating Officer for Houston Airports. “This new air cargo service is a win for Houston an important step in growing a successful cargo network throughout Latin America.”   

 The Greater Houston Partnership confirms 41 Houston firms operate 1133 subsidiary locations in Brazil. Seven Brazilian firms operate 12 subsidiaries in the Houston area. Houston is also home to the Consulate General of Brazil for Southwest region of the U.S.    

 Houston area businesses are innovating and creating some of the most sought-after goods from industrial machinery to medical products and aircraft parts. This air freight service creates an opportunity for Houston to connect directly to Brazil.  

 "At LATAM Cargo we are constantly reviewing our cargo itinerary in search of new opportunities that can benefit our customers. In this case, the addition of this route is part of an initiative that will allow us to offer more capacity and provide more options to be present in the most relevant markets," says Gudny Genskowsky, Network Director at LATAM Cargo. 

 Trade between Houston and Brazil totaled 7,670 Metric tons of air cargo in 2022. Total annual air cargo traded between Houston and Brazil reached $893 million 2022, representing 90% growth from 2021.   

Houston Airports serves as a primary commercial air service gateway to Latin America.   

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