We recently had the pleasure of exploring the fascinating world of air cargo through the lens of a seasoned expert, Rodrigo Casal, Regional Commercial Manager of the Americas, who boasts an impressive 28 years at IAG Cargo. In this exclusive interview, he delves into the evolution of IAG Cargo, discusses how we meet customer demands in the competitive North American air cargo market, and shares the most rewarding parts of his job.
Tell us about your role and career journey
As the Regional Commercial Manager for the Americas, I’m responsible for 26 countries and 54 stations on IAG Cargo’s global network, stretching from Canada all the way down to my home country, Chile! I began my career within the air cargo industry at BA World Cargo in 1996, and five years later, I relocated to the US, where I progressed through various positions within the company. In September 2023, I proudly stepped into my current position, excited to contribute to our continued success in the region.
Throughout my time at IAG Cargo, I’ve witnessed many significant changes, with perhaps the most notable being the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in 2011, resulting in the inception of IAG Cargo. The extensive reach of Iberia’s network in Latin America opened new opportunities for me to apply my knowledge of this diverse region and its cultures and enabled me to play a more significant role in shaping and growing our business within this expansive market.
Today, we benefit from the combined strength of our five partner airlines—British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and LEVEL—operating from our hubs in London, Madrid, Dublin, and Barcelona. This collaboration has greatly enhanced our customer offerings and positioned us for continued success in the global air cargo market.
How does IAG Cargo stand out in the competitive North American air cargo market?
The North American air cargo market offers a diverse range of challenges and opportunities across both Canada and the U.S., which can be further divided into three distinct regions: East, Central, and West. A key factor uniting these regions is the significant availability of transatlantic capacity.
IAG Cargo stands out from the competition by serving 27 North American destinations with 500 rotations per week, providing customers access to a global network that spans six continents. This extensive reach ensures the efficient and reliable transportation of goods worldwide.
Our range of premium products, such as Constant Climate for temperature-sensitive goods and Prioritise for express shipments, also distinguish us from our competitors, both presenting significant growth opportunities in the region. We’re particularly proud to offer 21 approved Constant Climate stations across the US, with Cincinnati being our latest addition, ensuring specialised care for temperature-sensitive goods. Our transatlantic capacity, combined with our Prioritise service, has been instrumental in supporting the rise of e-commerce. In 2023 alone, online shoppers made 30% more purchases compared to the previous year, and the industry’s share of total air cargo volumes is projected to rise to 30% by 2027.
Alongside our extensive North American capacity, we also leverage Iberia’s exceptional transatlantic connections to Latin America. Our Constant Fresh service facilitates the seamless transportation of locally grown perishables and popular foods between Latin America and Europe, including flowers, papayas, mangos, and stone fruits. This ensures that fresh products reach their destinations efficiently, supporting both local growers and global demand.
IAG Cargo is also committed to enhancing its digital capabilities, providing customers worldwide with an easier, more efficient way to book, manage, and track their shipments online via IAG Cargo.com. Our ongoing investment in digital solutions ensures that our services are future-ready, meeting the ever-evolving needs of our customers in today’s dynamic market.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my role is being able to work in an industry that has a profound impact on communities around the world. Whether it’s facilitating the transport of essential medicine, concert equipment, or fresh produce, I get great fulfilment from playing a small behind-the-scenes part in people’s everyday lives. This involves adapting to the ever-evolving demands of our customers, which guarantees a dynamic work environment where each day brings new challenges.
Another highlight of my role is the opportunity to work with team members from different countries, cultures and time zones, often all on the same day. While navigating three main languages – English, Spanish and Portuguese – can be a challenge at times, the opportunity to bring together a diverse set of skills, perspectives, and expertise is something I value every day.
Book your next shipment with IAG Cargo here today.
