Delta Cargo has appointed Rafael Figueroa as managing director – cargo operations and customer experience, taking over from Julian Soell.

This autumn, Figueroa will move from Aeromexico Cargo to Delta Cargo to lead a team of over 1,600 employees, managing Delta Cargo’s customer service.

The airline says Figueroa’s appointment is part of an international talent exchange programme between Delta and Aeromexico, which aims to share best practices and skills across all areas of the business.

Delta Cargo vice president, Shawn Cole says: “Rafael brings extensive experience to Delta – not only through his knowledge of the cargo and ground handling industry, but also through his understanding of the Latin America market.

“With his familiarity of Aeromexico, we will also be able to deepen and strengthen the cargo joint cooperation agreement (JCA) between Delta and Aeromexico, as well as continue the momentum of providing industry leading operations and customer service.”

Figueroa has 12 years of airline industry experience, having most recently served as vice president of Aeromexico Cargo, with prior roles as vice president of ground handling at Aeromexico and as chairman of the board for SkyTeam Cargo Alliances.