From Kenya, 25 Million Red Roses for Valentine’s Day

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, has transported 1,600 tonnes of flowers, the equivalent of 25 million fresh-cut Kenyan red roses on its Nairobi-Doha and Liège routes in time for Valentine’s Day. In addition to its scheduled passenger-and-cargo flights, the cargo carrier added nine Boeing 777 charter freighters in the fortnight leading up to Valentine’s Day, to support the increased demand during this peak season.

On an annual basis, Qatar Airways Cargo uplifts more than 25,000 tonnes of freight from Kenya.  Seventy five percent (75%) of that is flowers, with meat, fruits and vegetables being the majority of the remaining cargo.

“Kenya’s floriculture sector is a success story that must be celebrated and supported,” Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mr Mark Drusch says. “Kenya is well-known for producing incredibly beautiful cut roses of unparalleled quality due to its unique growing environment. 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 Kenyan economy.”

Over the years, Valentine’s Day has grown in popularity worldwide and is generally regarded as the most romantic day of the year. Cut roses continue to be the top choice for millions of couples celebrating. About 40% of Kenya’s flowers are transported mainly to European countries. Other significant markets include the Middle East, Japan and Australia.

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“Thanks to Valentine’s Day, February is an important month and an economic boon for Kenya’s floriculture sector. Qatar Airways Cargo’s services are critical in helping reward the dedicated farm workers, farmers and entrepreneurs behind the blossoming agribusiness sector,”  Mr Drusch elaborates.

The growth of Kenya’s agribusiness sector also serves as evidence of the country’s rapidly diversifying economy that now increasingly caters for both leisure and business air travel. According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Kenya’s flower industry accounts for 1.25% of the country’s GDP and employs more than 500,000 people.

“As part of our commitment to contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development, Qatar Airways Cargo increased capacity by adding extra charter flights to connect Kenya’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 on top of our scheduled 14 passenger-and-cargo flights, and three weekly Boeing 777 freighters operating between Nairobi and Doha,” Drusch explains.

Qatar Airways Cargo uses state-of-the-art Boeing 777 freighters for its freight and charter operations, and the aircraft has been a key enabler of the carrier’s consistent on-time performance. Through its innovative Fresh Product service, the carrier ensures a seamless cool chain for all flowers transported on its flights from loading to delivery ensuring they arrive fresh and on time, helping millions of people globally express their love and admiration with flowers.

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