Qatar Airways Cargo says it has “transported 2,800 tonnes of flowers, the equivalent of 42 million fresh-cut red roses from Kenya and South America in time for Valentine’s Day. From Nairobi, the carrier transported almost 1,600 tonnes of red roses on its scheduled flights and charters.” Additionally, from Bogota and Quito, the cargo carrier says it “carried close to 1,200 tonnes to key markets including Amsterdam, Middle East, Asia and Australia.”
According to Qatar Airways Cargo, in addition to its regular scheduled passenger-and-cargo flights, the cargo carrier “operated nine (9) additional Boeing 777 charters from Nairobi and ten (10) additional charters from Quito in the fortnight leading up to Valentine’s Day, to support the increased demand during this peak season.”
Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mr Mark Drusch says: “Both Kenya 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 unparalleled quality. As the world’s leading air cargo carrier, 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 says as part of the cargo carrier’s commitment to contribute to socio-economic development, it has “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 cargo carrier says it uses its “state-of-the-art Boeing 777 freighter for its freighter and charter operations, the aircraft is a key enabler of on-time performance.”
