Qatar Airways Cargo has transported 2,800 tonnes of flowers, equivalent to 42 million fresh-cut red roses, from Kenya and South America for Valentine’s Day.
The carrier transported almost 1,600 tonnes of red roses from Nairobi on its scheduled flights and charters. Additionally, it carried close to 1,200 tonnes from Bogota and Quito to key markets including Amsterdam, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
To support the increased demand during this peak season, Qatar Airways Cargo operated nine additional Boeing 777 charters from Nairobi and ten additional charters from Quito in the fortnight leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mr. Mark Drusch, said, “Both Kenya’s and South America’s floriculture sectors are success stories that must be celebrated and supported. Both countries are well-known for producing incredibly beautiful cut roses of unparallelled quality. We are proud to be able to play our part in sharing this great product with the world and supporting the local economies of Kenya and Bogota and Quito.”
Drusch added, “As part of our commitment to contribute to socio-economic development, Qatar Airways Cargo increased capacity by adding extra charter freighters to connect Kenya , Bogota, and Quito’s floriculture sector to key markets and customers worldwide through our network of over 170 passenger and 60 freighter destinations. The additional charter flights are in addition to our scheduled passenger-and-cargo flights.”
Qatar Airways Cargo uses its Boeing 777 freighter for its freighter and charter operations. The carrier’s Fresh product ensures a seamless cool chain for all flowers transported on its flights, ensuring they arrive fresh and on time.
