IAG Cargo has hosted a Guatemalan political and trade delegation at its Madrid hub to strengthen commercial ties between Guatemala and European markets.
The delegation of 15 representatives was made up of officials from the Embassy of Guatemala in Madrid, representatives of the country’s Ministry of Economy and Guatemalan exporters. The visit was aimed at exploring avenues to increase trade, boost air cargo connectivity and look at possible partnerships with the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG).
The meeting also served as a further opportunity to review current trade flows, assess air freight connectivity and identify areas of closer collaboration between IAG Cargo and Guatemalan businesses.
Madrid hub highlights specialist capabilities for perishable cargo
“We recognized the need for reliable handling and temperature control, particularly in the light of the demands placed upon the transport of fresh produce over international distances.
“Engaging directly with exporters helps us to gain a better understanding of their operating needs and demonstrate how our infrastructure, global network and digital services can help to ease access to our cargo operations,” said Armando Rodriguez Moreno, Head of MAD Hub Cargo Operations at IAG Cargo.
He highlighted the significance of air cargo in linking producers to international buyers – especially for perishable goods where transit times and handling conditions are critical. Madrid is a crucial hub for links with Latin America, combining specialist capabilities for handling perishables with wide-ranging international connectivity.
The hub features 1,340 square meters of dedicated temperature controlled space for perishables. This capacity was greatly expanded following the announcement of an investment of €1.5 million in 2024.
“The cooling chambers at the facility are monitored 24/7 to help maintain the appropriate conditions for temperature-sensitive shipments,” said IAG Cargo. These capabilities are designed to meet the handling requirements of products that require controlled environments throughout the entire logistics process.
Guatemala looks to strengthen access to European markets
The visit also helped the Guatemalan representatives get to know the infrastructure and services that exist to support exports to Europe, especially those shipments that require special handling.
“Strengthening the ties between Guatemalan exporters and European markets represents an important business opportunity for companies in the country,” said Natalia Samayoa, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Guatemala in Madrid.
The delegation’s visit was useful in terms of understanding the air cargo infrastructure and services available for international trade, especially for perishable products, she said. It also gave the chance to explore a closer collaboration between Guatemalan exporters and IAG Cargo.
The discussions point to the ability of air freight infrastructure to promote international trade through linking producers with foreign markets. Specialized handling facilities, reliable international connections and digital booking services could help Guatemalan exporters move products into Europe.
IAG Cargo talks directly with government representatives and exporters and can get a better sense of what the market needs and where it may do business in the future.
