Collaboration Essential to Air Logistics of Flowers

Flowers can’t speak for themselves for being neglected. This is where every stakeholder in the air cargo supply chain, including the shipper, come in picture to ensure they are treated with tender care throughout the entire cold chain. Stakeholders must focus on collaboration to ensure smooth and efficient ride for flowers. Twinkle sahita reports.

- Twinkle sahita

In recent times, all the carriers are focusing on a very important product vertical that accounts for a major share of air cargo trade. The commodity, being time and temperature sensitive, requires on time delivery and constant temperature throughout the entire air cargo value chain. It needs to be delivered fresh to the world without its essence being lost. Grown in two key African regions, Kenya and Ethiopia, flowers have a long journey from the continent to the rest of the world. Kenya holds 7 percent of the global market share today. 35 percent of all sales of cut flowers in the European Union originate from this African country. Due to its high altitude, favourable climate and overall geographical location, Kenya offers perfect growing conditions for roses. Most of the roses (known as “Rhodas”) are red roses with stems averaging 30 to 50 centimetres in length.

“On the whole, the flower industry is crucial to air cargo. From Africa region Kenya and Ethiopia are amongst the leading flower exporting countries from a global perspective,” said Ken Mbogo, regional director Africa, Saudia Cargo. Saudia Cargo is a major airline in these markets with a significant capacity share.

Be it any occasion, such as Valentine’s Day, Women’s Day or any other special occasion, flowers is one of the commodity traded in large volumes. Ahead of these occasions, flowers keep the air cargo industry busy. Luxembourg based all cargo carrier Cargolux was busy, once again this year, as Africa’s flower growers and shippers called on the airline’s services and expertise to bring their goods to European consumers. Throughout each year, Cargolux carries more than 20,000 tonnes of flowers from African markets which translates to around four million flowers per flight. This year, the airline experienced such strong demand that it operates a large amount of extra flights in addition to its seven weekly scheduled services.