FedEx enhances air network with new route linking Ecuador and Miami

Policy

Jill Brannon FedEx Executive Leadership Executive Vice President, Chief Sales Officer | FedEx

By Sky Industry News

Nov 5, 2024

Federal Express Corporation, commonly known as FedEx, is expanding its operations in Ecuador by introducing a new flight route connecting the Ecuadorian market directly with Miami. This development aims to enhance connections between Latin America and the global market, providing efficient and reliable shipping solutions, particularly for key perishable products like flowers, coffee, and cocoa.

"Este nuevo vuelo responde a las necesidades de nuestros clientes y reafirma el compromiso de FedEx con el crecimiento económico de la región," said Humberto Lira, Vice President of Operations for FedEx South America. "Fortalece nuestras capacidades, optimiza los tiempos de tránsito y amplía la propuesta de valor de FedEx para la industria de las flores hacia los Estados Unidos y otros sectores claves del mercado ecuatoriano, brindando oportunidades y acceso a más de 220 países con un servicio de excelencia para sus envíos internacionales," he added.

The new route will be operated by a Boeing 767-300 with a capacity of 42,565 kilograms per flight. It will provide greater flexibility and improved service for exports across FedEx's extensive global network. The flight will have multiple weekly frequencies starting from Miami International Airport in the United States, heading to Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina; then to Santiago Airport in Chile; before finally stopping at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador; and returning to Miami.

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This initiative presents growth opportunities for Ecuador's flower industry—valued at one billion dollars and recognized as one of the world's leading exporters. Customers can benefit from increased capacity, better transit times for imports and exports, extended pickup hours in Quito, and flower delivery services at the airport using services like FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution® (IPD), which reaches 99% of U.S. destinations within 72 hours to ensure freshness upon arrival.

According to Expoflores, the National Association of Flower Producers and Exporters of Ecuador, the U.S. remains the primary destination for Ecuadorian flowers. From January to April this year, flower exports to North America totaled $130 million—a 9% increase compared to the same period last year. The new flight offers direct access for Ecuadorian exporters to Miami's Hub—the largest cold storage facility within FedEx's global network. Furthermore, Ecuador ranks among the top ten markets for Miami airport based on annual trade exchange data from 2023.

The announcement highlights FedEx's commitment to expanding its service portfolio in Ecuador while strengthening operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The company is also extending its reach with another dedicated route connecting Honduras and Guatemala with Miami.

FedEx has been operating internationally in Ecuador since 1994 and has provided domestic services through Grupo Entregas—its authorized representative—since November 2012.