Liege and Viracopos target new Europe–Brazil cargo connections
Liege Airport and Viracopos International Airport are establishing a commercial partnership to attract new freighter operations between Belgium and Brazil, bringing together complementary cargo networks and specialist handling capabilities to develop trade between Europe and South America.
The airports are signing a memorandum of understanding at Air Cargo Forum Miami on 27 October 2026. The agreement records their mutual interest in developing the Liege–Viracopos corridor and strengthening their positions as gateways for airlines, freight forwarders and shippers serving both continents.
Frederic Brun, VP Sales & Marketing at Liege Airport, and Maria Fan, Chief Commercial Officer at Viracopos International Airport, will sign the agreement. Their immediate focus will be identifying shared commercial prospects and establishing a framework for regular engagement between the airports’ business development teams.
The partnership will combine customer targeting with market intelligence, joint promotional activity and discussions with potential airline partners. Areas for consideration include commercial incentives for interested operators and technical and operational studies to help assess opportunities for new all-cargo services.
Brun said: “This partnership brings together two airports with a clear commitment to developing cargo business around customer needs. By working with Viracopos, we can identify opportunities across Europe, Brazil and onward markets, combining our networks and specialist handling capabilities. Our priority is to build relationships with airlines and forwarders that can support sustainable route development, while giving shippers efficient connections for pharmaceuticals, technology and other valuable cargo moving between these important trading regions in both directions.”
Both airports provide dedicated space for freighter operations and direct connections between aircraft handling areas and cargo warehouses. Their experience in processing time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive shipments provides a foundation for developing services in sectors where handling quality and predictable transit times influence routing decisions.
Liege’s network linking Asia and Europe complements Viracopos’ role in the Brazilian and wider South American markets. The airports see opportunities to implement more direct Europe–Brazil traffic while exploring connections for shipments travelling between Asia and Latin America through Liege.
Pharmaceuticals will be a priority. Viracopos reports that the value of its pharmaceutical imports has increased by 43 per cent in 2026 and is building a dedicated cold warehouse that will double its pharmaceutical storage capacity. Liege will contribute its established pharmaceutical cargo expertise and relationships with specialist logistics providers.
Fan said: “Viracopos is investing in the facilities and capabilities needed to support the next stage of Brazilian air cargo growth. Our partnership with Liege creates an opportunity to connect that investment with a complementary European gateway. Together, we intend to engage airlines, forwarders and shippers, understand their requirements and develop practical solutions. We see particular potential in pharmaceuticals, technology and international e-commerce, where reliable handling and connectivity are essential to supporting our customers and their businesses.”
Technology shipments offer another substantial opportunity. Viracopos accounts for 45 per cent of Brazil’s airborne high-tech imports, according to the airport. Growth in digitalisation, artificial intelligence and cloud computing is increasing demand for data centres, supporting imports of server racks and associated equipment.
Viracopos also expects Brazil’s REData tax regime to encourage further investment. The measure provides for a five-year suspension of federal taxes on qualifying data centre equipment acquisitions, potentially supporting additional import activity and creating opportunities for airlines and logistics companies serving the Brazilian technology sector.
International e-commerce will form a further strand of the partnership. An additional dedicated warehouse covering 20,000 square metres is already operational at Viracopos, providing expanded X-ray inspection capabilities and direct apron access alongside improvements to the airport’s logistics centre.
Closer integration between cargo operators and government agencies has also helped reduce customs bottlenecks at Viracopos. Combined with Liege’s cargo network and connections beyond Europe, these capabilities will underpin joint discussions with businesses seeking efficient distribution options into Brazil and other Latin American markets.
The airports will establish a shared target list, exchange commercial insights and maintain regular calls and face-to-face meetings. Joint participation in industry events and shared exhibition activity will support a consistent message to prospective customers about the corridor’s capabilities and commercial potential.
Miami provides a meeting point for the partnership, connecting business communities across the Americas and Europe. Air Cargo Forum brings together airlines, airports, forwarders and other supply chain participants, allowing both airports to introduce their plans directly to potential partners.
Discussions on prospective services remain confidential, with no airline commitments or launch dates being announced at this stage. The airports will concentrate on translating shared market opportunities into viable operating proposals, supported by tailored handling solutions, closer customer relationships and a joint approach to commercial development. Progress will depend on matching demand with airline requirements and building confidence in the corridor’s operational performance, connectivity and long-term commercial value for all participants.
