IATA Expands Cargo Services as Latin America Trade Grows

To support this momentum, IATA is strengthening the reach of its Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems (CASS), a platform that simplifies financial transactions between airlines, freight forwarders and cargo agents.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is expanding its cargo service offerings across Latin America as air freight demand continues to grow throughout the region. The move reflects a decade of steady expansion in the Latin American air cargo sector. Cargo tonne kilometers for airlines based in the region increased by an average of 3.3 percent annually between 2016 and April 2026, resulting in cumulative growth of nearly 39 percent over the ten-year period.

To support this momentum, IATA is strengthening the reach of its Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems (CASS), a platform that simplifies financial transactions between airlines, freight forwarders and cargo agents. New initiatives in Mexico, Paraguay and Brazil are designed to improve efficiency, streamline payments and support the growing role of air cargo in regional trade.

Mexico Introduces New Domestic Cargo Settlement System

Mexico has become a major focus of IATA's latest expansion plans. In April 2026, the country launched CASS Domestic operations, building on the long-established CASS Export system that has been operating since 1987. The development comes as Mexico's domestic cargo market continues to expand. During 2025, more than 125,000 tonnes of cargo were transported within the country, representing nearly 16 percent of all air cargo moving to, from and within Mexico.

Domestic connectivity also strengthened during the first quarter of 2026. Some of the fastest-growing routes included Monterrey to Mexico City International Airport, which recorded growth of more than 50 percent, while traffic between Tijuana and Guadalajara increased by 36 percent. The route linking Mexico City International Airport and Hermosillo also posted strong gains.

Mexico will also become the second country, after the United States, to introduce IATA FlexiPay. The payment solution allows real-time billing, secure prepayments and more flexible financial arrangements between cargo industry participants, helping businesses manage transactions more efficiently.

Paraguay Emerges as Fast-Growing Cargo Market

Paraguay, though smaller than many regional markets, has become one of Latin America's fastest-growing air cargo destinations.

IATA plans to launch CASS Export operations in Paraguay during the final quarter of 2026, with strong industry participation expected as cargo activity continues to increase. The country's cargo volumes surged in 2025, reaching more than 42,000 tonnes. This represented an extraordinary year-on-year increase of 225.3 percent, highlighting the growing importance of air freight in Paraguay's economy and international trade connections. Industry observers see significant opportunities for further expansion as exporters increasingly rely on air transport for high-value and time-sensitive goods.

Brazil Set for Next Phase of Cargo Modernization

Brazil, the region's largest economy and one of its most important aviation markets, is also preparing for further modernization of cargo settlement services. IATA plans to introduce CASS Domestic operations in Brazil from early 2027. The initiative will complement the country's existing CASS Export system, which has been serving the market for more than twenty years. Air cargo activity in Brazil remains substantial. In 2025, airlines transported more than 791,000 tonnes of cargo. Domestic shipments accounted for nearly 8 percent of total cargo volumes.

Air freight also plays a critical role in Brazil's export economy. While air cargo represented only a small portion of export weight, it carried goods accounting for nearly 6 percent of the total value of Brazilian exports, reflecting the importance of transporting high-value products quickly and efficiently. According to IATA Executive Director for Financial Services, BSP and CASS, Juan Antonio Rodríguez, the organization has supported airlines in Latin America for decades through efficient settlement and payment systems. He noted that the latest expansion demonstrates the industry's confidence in IATA's ability to support both mature and emerging cargo markets across the region.