Upon mention of the Caribbean, most people think of idyllic white-sand beaches, Hollywood pirates, the magical sound of steel drums, a handsomely crafted rum cocktail. But the region ringed by Central America, the northern coast of South America and an arc of island nations stretching toward the tip of South Florida – is more than a picturesque vacation spot. It is becoming a key jumping-off point for cargo flights between the Americas and the rest of the world, including Europe, Africa and now the Middle East.

The cargo divisions of American Airlines and US Airways, which merged late last year, have combined under a single air waybill.

American Airlines Cargo has begun offering full cargo service to and from Orlando, Fla.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has decided on a mechanism to reduce carbon emissions from aviation activities, a move that has pleased the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and the European Liaison Committee of Common Market Forwarders (CLECAT).