TAB - Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos
Bolivia’s state-owned cargo airline, operating freight services from Santa Cruz with a network centered on the Miami–Bolivia trade lane.
About TAB - Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos
Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos, commonly known as TAB or TAB Cargo, was established in 1977 as a Bolivian state enterprise. It operates under the oversight of the country’s Ministry of Defence and has historical links to the Bolivian Air Force. Despite sometimes appearing in general airline listings, TAB is a specialist cargo carrier rather than a scheduled passenger airline.
TAB’s principal base is Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia’s main international freight gateway. Its best-known international service links Santa Cruz with Miami, an important consolidation point for goods moving between North America and Bolivia. Freight may also be distributed through TAB’s facilities or services in La Paz and Cochabamba, while charter operations can extend beyond its core network.
The airline has long been associated with the McDonnell Douglas MD-10-30F, a wide-body freighter suited to substantial cargo loads and long international sectors. TAB does not offer passenger cabins, seating classes or conventional onboard service. Its operation is organized around freight capacity, cargo handling and logistics requirements, with schedules and routings that may vary according to commercial demand and aircraft availability.
TAB is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Because it does not operate passenger services, it has no frequent-flyer programme, mileage currency or reciprocal elite benefits. Customers generally arrange shipments through the airline’s cargo offices, freight forwarders or logistics intermediaries rather than through the booking channels used for ordinary airline tickets.
TAB’s main strength is its specialized role in carrying commercial freight between Bolivia and major international logistics markets, particularly Miami. Its narrow network and historically small fleet are important limitations: service frequency and capacity can be more vulnerable to maintenance requirements or operational changes than at larger cargo airlines. Travellers should also avoid confusing TAB with passenger carrier Boliviana de Aviación.
Good to know
Flying with TAB - Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos — what to expect
Cargo Airline Only
TAB transports freight rather than ticketed passengers. Standard passenger bookings, cabin classes and seat selection are therefore not available.
Miami Freight Gateway
Miami is TAB’s principal international cargo gateway, supporting shipments between Bolivia and North America. Freight itineraries may include onward ground or air distribution within Bolivia.
Variable Operations
Cargo schedules can change with demand, aircraft availability and shipment requirements. Confirm current operating dates directly with TAB or the freight forwarder handling the consignment.
No Cabin Baggage
Passenger carry-on rules do not apply because TAB does not sell passenger seats. All goods must be accepted and documented under the airline’s cargo procedures.
Check Cargo Requirements
Shippers should verify documentation, packaging, customs and restricted-goods requirements before tendering freight. Special cargo may require advance approval and additional handling arrangements.
Small Fleet Considerations
A small specialist fleet can make capacity less flexible when an aircraft is unavailable. Time-sensitive shipments should be booked with schedule contingencies in mind.
Route network
Popular routes operated by TAB - Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos
Notable destinations on TAB - Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos's network.
Destination list is indicative of TAB - Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Bolivia
Other airlines based in Bolivia
FAQ
TAB - Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- TAB’s core cargo operation is centered on Santa Cruz and Miami, with freight services or distribution links involving La Paz and Cochabamba. Charter or demand-led operations may serve additional airports.
- TAB does not sell conventional passenger plane tickets. Cargo pricing depends on factors such as route, shipment weight and volume, commodity type, handling needs and available capacity.
- Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz and Miami International Airport are the principal departure points associated with TAB’s cargo operation. La Paz and Cochabamba also function as important Bolivian freight points.
- TAB does not have a passenger carry-on allowance because it is a cargo airline and does not sell passenger seats. Shipments must instead comply with its freight packaging, weight, documentation and acceptance rules.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. TAB is a cargo operator, however, so conventional passenger fares may not be available.
- TAB does not publish a stable passenger-style destination count, and its cargo network can vary with commercial demand. Its publicly associated core points include Santa Cruz, Miami, La Paz and Cochabamba.
- The Miami–Santa Cruz sector is TAB’s principal long-haul international cargo route and appears to be the longest route in its core network. Cargo schedules can change, so current operations should be confirmed with the airline.
- TAB’s primary operating base is Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It is Bolivia’s principal international cargo gateway.