IATA Expands Cargo Services in Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay

Why It Matters

IATA’s expanded settlement infrastructure streamlines payments, reduces cash‑flow friction, and supports rapid growth in Latin America’s air‑cargo markets, positioning the region for greater integration into global supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• CASS Domestic launched in Mexico, enabling real‑time billing via FlexiPay.
• Mexico’s domestic cargo grew 15.8% in 2025, moving 125,000 tonnes.
• Paraguay’s air‑cargo volume surged 225% YoY to 42,000 tonnes in 2025.
• Brazil handled 791,000 tonnes in 2025; domestic traffic 7.9%.
• CASS processed $47.5 billion in 2025 with 100% on‑time settlement.

Pulse Analysis

IATA’s decision to broaden its Cargo Accounts Settlement System (CASS) across Latin America reflects a strategic push to modernize payment and settlement processes in a market that has logged a 3.3% annual increase in cargo tonne‑kilometers, amounting to a 38.8% rise over ten years. By standardizing e‑billing through CASSLink, airlines and freight forwarders can achieve faster, more transparent cash flows, a critical advantage as the region’s air‑cargo volumes accelerate.

In Mexico, the rollout of CASS Domestic and the new FlexiPay platform marks a watershed for the country’s sizable cargo sector. Domestic shipments accounted for 15.8% of total Mexican air‑cargo in 2025, moving roughly 125,000 tonnes. Real‑time billing and flexible payment terms are expected to boost operational efficiency, while route growth—such as the Monterrey‑Mexico City corridor’s 50.9% YoY surge—signals expanding demand for intra‑national connectivity.

Brazil and Paraguay are set to benefit from the next phase of IATA’s expansion. Brazil will introduce CASS Domestic in early 2027, complementing two decades of export‑focused CASS activity that handled over 791,000 tonnes in 2025, with domestic traffic representing 7.9% of that volume. Paraguay’s planned export CASS launch in late 2026 follows a dramatic 225% YoY increase to 42,000 tonnes. Together, these initiatives deepen the financial infrastructure supporting Latin America’s cargo ecosystem, positioning the region for stronger participation in global trade networks.