Mr Antonio Medina del Río. Iberia Marketing Manager

CND: Since when has Iberia Cargo been operating in Cuba?

A: It had its big break in Cuba back in 1949 when Iberia began flying to the island nation. I’d like to say that this airline has always been there in Cuba’s airports regardless of the relationships between both countries along the years.

CND: What are the main services this company has to offer?

A: We move all kind of cargo like machinery parts; perishable goods such as flowers, fish and shellfish; valuable things, diplomatic pouches, personal belongings, hazardous materials and live animals.

Iberia Cargo sets no cargo restrictions, save those that call for international safety guidelines. As far as volume is concerned, it all hinges on the cargo capacity of planes flying the route, usually covered by Boeing 747 aircraft. Freight security is guaranteed by a highly qualified personnel with great know-how for the kind of job it does.

CND: Who are the most significant customers? What are the premiere destinations?

A: Our top customers are state-run and private companies, as well as official institutions. For instance, we move embassies and pouches from one place to another. I’d like to add that we deal with very competitive prices in keeping with the market’s current status.

As to our destinations, Spain is on top of the list, with Portugal, Germany and Italy trailing in that order.

CND: The brightest feathers Iberia Cargo has put in its hat?

A: Iberia Cargo and Aerovaradero have put together the Logistic Air Cargo Enterprise (ELCA, S.A.) that provides an exclusive launching pad for airborne cargo freighting.

The creation of ELCA benefits Latin American customers, let alone Iberia and all cargo airlines, given Cuba’s privileged geographical location.

The enterprise’s terminal is outfitted with all necessary conditions to both receive and handle perishable and dry goods. On the other hand, it provides around-the-clock customs service and a CCTV system that tapes all merchandise moving and handling. Its high-tech communication system allows us to keep customers posted on their products’ situation.

The terminal is also equipped with a sanitary lab exclusively devoted to in-transit cargo and run by Cuban technicians from the island’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Through ELCA, this team of experts –trained by Cuban and Spanish authorities- guarantees cargo safety and efficiency up to par with what’s done today in several parts of the world.

iberia.hav@enet.cu