Amazon Launches First Dedicated Cargo Route to Colombia

Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has expanded its private air cargo network by partnering with 21 Air, a U.S.-based cargo airline, and Avianca, a prominent Latin American airline, to launch a dedicated cargo route to Colombia. This strategic move is part of Amazon's ongoing efforts to enhance its logistics capabilities and improve delivery times for customers in the region. The new route will facilitate the transportation of goods between Colombia and the United States, leveraging the strengths of both 21 Air and Avianca in the cargo sector.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Amazon, as it is the first time the company has established a dedicated cargo route to South America. The new route will not only benefit Amazon's own operations but also provide additional cargo capacity for third-party shippers. Avianca, known for its robust cargo services, will be instrumental in managing the logistics and ensuring efficient operations on the new route. The daily flight, which began on April 8, utilizes Boeing 767-300 converted freighters, marking Amazon's first cross-border flight outside of its tightly integrated European market.

Amazon Air, the company's internal airline, has a vast transportation network in the United States but has limited operations in Europe and India. This new international route signifies Amazon's first foray into delivering platform order packages to Colombia. The partnership with 21 Air and Avianca is a testament to Amazon's ability to forge strategic partnerships that enhance its operational efficiency. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these airlines, Amazon can optimize its cargo operations and provide a seamless experience for its customers.

21 Air, based at Miami International Airport, has been providing services to Amazon since November 2024. The airline operates 16 Boeing 767 aircraft, with six of them provided by Amazon. 21 Air will be the actual carrier for the Bogotá-Miami route, as confirmed by Amazon spokesperson Gabriela Castillo. In addition to the Bogotá route, 21 Air also operates within Amazon's traditional package delivery network, covering San Juan in Puerto Rico, Miami, and the Amazon Super Hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Ohio.

Avianca's cargo division, which operates six Airbus A330-200 freighters and manages cargo in the bellies of passenger aircraft, will use Amazon's northbound flights to transport perishable goods, such as flowers, to the U.S. market. Miami is the largest flower import gateway in the United States. This collaboration allows Amazon to utilize unused cargo space on Avianca's flights, providing additional revenue streams for both companies.

Amazon has been offering international shipping services to Colombia since 2019, primarily relying on sea freight or other commercial airlines to transport goods to its fulfillment centers in the country. In late May 2025, Amazon launched its Amazon Prime subscription service in Colombia, offering free shipping on millions of items from the U.S. to Colombia for eligible orders. This move is part of Amazon's broader strategy to strengthen its logistics network globally and better serve its customers in the Latin American market, where e-commerce is rapidly growing.

In the Latin American market, Amazon faces competition from Mercado Libre, the largest e-commerce retailer in the region, as well as AliExpress and local online platforms. Amazon's focus on the Latin American market this year is driven by the need to meet its own sales and delivery requirements, as well as the opportunity to offset operating costs through third-party export cargo services. Tom Bradley, the general manager of Amazon Air Cargo, highlighted the importance of the Bogotá route, stating that it allows Amazon to combine the needs of its customers with those of Avianca, creating a synergistic effect.

Amazon Air Cargo entered the commercial air cargo market in September 2024 and has since listed other clients on its website, including Apex Logistics, a subsidiary of Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Express, and ALK Global Logistic, a local company based in Miami. Bradley emphasized that non-Amazon shippers can benefit from Amazon's stringent delivery standards, dense network, backup fleet, and technological capabilities, which enable quick adjustments to capacity in response to sudden changes or demand fluctuations. For example, in the lead-up to Mother's Day in May 2025, a cargo plane on the Miami-Bogotá route experienced mechanical issues. Amazon Air activated its emergency plan and restored service within 16 hours, despite the high volume of flower shipments.

Shippers can submit temporary cargo requests, book guaranteed capacity, or charter entire aircraft through Amazon Air Cargo. Bradley revealed that the European business primarily involves charter flights, particularly to Malta, Cyprus, and Guernsey, using multiple Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The core objective is to expand regular services and integrate customers into Amazon's proprietary logistics network. This initiative is expected to boost Amazon's presence in the Latin American market and set a precedent for future collaborations in the logistics and cargo sectors.