LATAM Cargo has transported approximately 24,000 tonnes of fresh flowers to the United States ahead of the Valentine’s Day peak, supporting one of the busiest seasonal air freight operations of the year.
The shipments primarily originated from Colombia and Ecuador — two of the world’s leading flower exporters — and were flown to key US gateways including Miami and Los Angeles. The airline deployed additional freighter capacity and optimised schedules to meet the surge in demand linked to the annual celebration.
Valentine’s Day represents a crucial period for the floriculture industry, with roses accounting for the majority of shipments. Industry estimates suggest that a significant share of flowers sold in the US during the holiday season are sourced from Latin America, making reliable air cargo services essential.
LATAM Cargo said it coordinated closely with growers, freight forwarders, and airport authorities to ensure temperature-controlled handling and timely delivery. Specialised cold chain processes were implemented across the supply chain to preserve freshness and maintain product quality during transit.
The airline group operates one of the largest cargo networks in the region, with dedicated freighter aircraft supplemented by belly capacity on passenger flights. Additional charter services were also deployed during the Valentine’s peak to accommodate higher volumes.
The successful execution of the seasonal flower airlift underscores the strategic role of air cargo in supporting agricultural exports and meeting time-sensitive consumer demand in international markets.