How IAG Ensures Safe Transportation of Priceless Artefacts

Air cargo is a fast and reliable facet of the logistics sector, transporting billions of tonnes of cargo across countries every year.

With expertise in perishables and fragile items, air cargo provides an unparalleled level of security.

Now, IAG Cargo has collaborated with Iberia to transport a collection of priceless artefacts from Mexico City to Madrid, as part of an international collaboration project. 

Solutions for every transport need

Made up of five airlines, IAG Cargo was formed in 2011 when British Airways and Iberia came together. Soon after, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL joined IAG, growing its global presence significantly.

Today, it 500 aircrafts, makes 15,000 flights per week and transports goods to more than 350 destinations. 

IAG Cargo offers solutions for every transport need, from electrical goods and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals to time-critical fresh produce and live animals.

In 2024, the company invested US$1.8m in its Madrid hub to expand its perishables facility. IAG Cargo continues to align with consumer demand, addressing market gaps through targeted investment and specialised services.

From Mexico to Madrid

A recent IAG Cargo project involved the transportation of 450 artefacts from Mexico City to Madrid.

In what represented a significant milestone for both culture and logistics, IAG Cargo transported these items approximately 5,640 miles, using four Iberia A350 aircrafts.

The artefacts make up Half the World: Women in Indigenous Mexico, the largest exhibition focusing on Mexico's indigenous women to be hosted abroad. It is a joint initiative between Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through AECID, and Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH).

Its intention is to celebrate culture and strengthen relationships between Mexico and Spain, building respect and opening the doors for future trade and projects. 

The transportation demanded meticulous planning from end to end. Items were securely packed, loaded onto Iberia aircraft and delivered to the three hosting venues. Given their age, fragility and cultural significance, they required controlled temperatures and precise handling throughout.

“Iberia works every day to make our commitment to generating prosperity a reality, connecting people and cultures from all over the world," says Sonia Sánchez, Director of Communication, Institutional Relations, and Social Impact at Iberia.

"We are proud to have been responsible for transporting this exhibition from Mexico City, one of our most emblematic destinations in Latin America. With this project, we actively contribute to strengthening the cultural and friendship ties between Spain and Mexico, reaffirming our role as a bridge between Europe and Latin America.”

IAG Cargo's Secure solution

IAG Cargo serves more than 10,000 customers worldwide and is recognised as a trusted partner for high-value and time-sensitive shipments. It has a strong track record with leading institutions, including the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. Its expertise in handling priceless artefacts makes it a partner of choice for museums and galleries around the world.

The company’s high-security service, Secure, is used to transport artefacts, artwork, banknotes, gold and jewellery, as well as high-tech equipment. Over the years, Secure has supported deliveries ranging from terracotta soldiers from China and Egyptian mummies to concert rigs, film props and live animals.

In 2023, IAG Cargo moved a 101-million-year-old titanosaur from Buenos Aires to London. The specimen weighs about 2.7 tonnes and is more than 120 ft long. It travelled nearly 7,000 miles in 32 crates aboard two British Airways B787-9 aircraft under IAG Cargo’s supervision.

IAG Cargo operates an extensive secure network with dedicated facilities across multiple locations. The service includes 24/7 CCTV, rigorous human oversight, real-time tracking and custom-built security infrastructure, with trained security teams monitoring every touchpoint of the journey.

“At IAG Cargo, we take great pride in connecting cultures and communities through the movement of precious and meaningful cargo," adds Camilo Garcia, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo.

“Whether it’s fine art, historical artefacts or cultural treasures, our priority is always the same: ensuring every item reaches its destination safely, securely and on time.

“Collaborations such as this one with INAH reflect our wider commitment to using our global reach to connect people, preserve culture and make a positive impact far beyond logistics.”