Avianca Cargo Adds Quito-Miami Flights Using Amazon Capacity

Why It Matters

It gives Ecuador’s exporters a reliable, high‑frequency link to the U.S., boosting perishable trade and improving capacity utilization for both airlines. The collaboration also signals deeper integration of e‑commerce logistics providers with traditional cargo carriers in South America.

Key Takeaways

• Avianca Cargo launches five weekly Quito‑Miami flights using Amazon capacity.
• Route targets perishables, especially flower shipments for Mother’s Day demand.
• Partnership builds on 2025 Amazon‑Avianca charter and capacity agreements.
• Quiport supports launch, highlighting Quito’s modern cargo infrastructure.

Pulse Analysis

The surge in demand for fresh produce and cut flowers from South America has turned air cargo into a strategic asset for exporters. Ecuador, the world’s second‑largest flower producer after Colombia, relies on rapid transit to preserve product quality and meet tight retail calendars in the United States. By adding five weekly nonstop flights between Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport and Miami International, Avianca Cargo creates a dedicated lane that shortens transit times to under 24 hours, directly addressing the seasonal spike that peaks around Mother’s Day.

Amazon Air Cargo’s involvement reflects a broader shift among e‑commerce giants toward asset‑light collaboration with legacy carriers. Since 2025, Amazon has been leasing spare belly‑hold capacity and charter slots to airlines such as Avianca, allowing the retailer to extend its logistics reach without expanding its own fleet. The Quito‑Miami service leverages this model, providing Avianca with additional lift while Amazon gains revenue from under‑utilized aircraft. This symbiotic arrangement improves aircraft utilisation rates, reduces empty‑leg costs, and reinforces Amazon’s reputation as a facilitator of global supply chains.

The new corridor also strengthens Quito’s position as a regional cargo hub. Quiport’s recent infrastructure upgrades—modern cargo terminals, automated handling equipment, and expanded apron space—make the airport attractive to international carriers seeking reliable connections to North America. For Ecuadorian growers and seafood processors, the increased frequency and reliability translate into higher export volumes and better price stability. Looking ahead, the partnership could serve as a template for similar routes from other Andean cities, intensifying competition with traditional hubs like Bogotá and Lima while deepening South America’s integration into the U.S. logistics network.