Last week, an American Airlines flight broke the carrier's all-time record for freight volume, moving 115,349 lbs (52,321 kg) of soybeans. The flight left Buenos Aires for Miami on a Boeing 777-300 aircraft on April 16th.

American Airlines cargo flight on tarmac
Photo: American Airlines

Shifting focus

Global travel restrictions have forced airlines to suspend flights and ground their aircraft. Despite strict policies in place, shipping routes are mostly still open for business. Therefore, airlines are finding ways to use their resources to help the public receive valuable goods amid the downturn in regular passenger activity.

The carrier recently expanded its shipping-only schedule to 46 weekly services. Each week, it offers over 6.5 million pounds of capacity to transport materials between the US and Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Cities such as Dublin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo are all seeing AA cargo services land at their airports.

American Airlines cargo-only flight from Dallas Fort-Worth
American will double its cargo-only capacity in September. Photo: Getty Images

Essential stock

On this shipment from Argentina, the carrier moved enough weight to equal 76 cows or 20,900 chickens. The previous record for American’s 777-300 was set in 2014, moving 103,384 lbs of goods from Los Angeles International to London Heathrow.

Soybeans are an essential supply for several industries across the US. Manufacturers of dairy-free alternatives, sauces, protein powder, flour, and tofu all rely on the beans. Additionally, they are essential in agriculture through the use of animal feed.

With spring being a crucial season for farmers, these goods need to arrive on time. The industry is also being supported by a $19 billion US government initiative in the form of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

In addition to existing operations, AA will add even more cargo-only routes in the next few weeks. As a result, this move will almost double its current weekly schedule. Some of the shipments include crucial medical supplies and materials to help fight the spread of the virus.

Grounded American Airlines aircraft
Flying once per day, flight AA1296 has also been operated using a Boeing 737. Photo: Getty Images

Proud moment

Lorena Sandoval, American's director of cargo sales for Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, is glad that her firm is able to ensure delivery deadlines are met. She also emphasizes how the operator is helping during these tough times.

“We are proud to be a part of this important cycle that supports local farming and provides vital food and fuel for the global economy. Transporting record-breaking volume in the process is just icing on the cake,” Sandoval said, as per the press release.

"With reduced flight schedules due to COVID-19, it's more important than ever to maximize every inch of available cargo space. We're here to support the world’s food supply, no matter what we face.”

Altogether, even though passenger services are at a low, American remains busy with its cargo ventures. The global health crisis has created a feeling of uncertainty across the globe. Therefore, deliveries must continue while several economies are currently vulnerable.

What are your thoughts on American's outstanding achievement on its shipping route from Buenos Aires to Miami? Let us know what you think in the comment section.