Not just Qatar Airways Cargo, of course, as several other cargo airlines posted about the crucial part their transport operations played in showing the love on 14FEB25. As every year, the weeks in the run-up to Valentine’s Day mean top level logistics stress for everyone involved in the perishables supply chain. In Qatar Airways Cargo’s case, it successfully handled and carried the equivalent of 42 million freshly cut red roses across the world. Their total weight was 2,800 tons of flowers, of which around 1,600 tons originated in Nairobi, Kenya, and the other 1,200 were flown in from Bogota and Quito in South America. All were destined for the key flowers markets in the Netherlands, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. While many of the flowers traveled on board of the airline’s scheduled passenger and cargo flights, in the final two weeks prior 14FEB25, it additionally operated nine Boeing 777F charters out of Nairobi and ten from Quito. Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mark Drusch, said: “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. As part of our commitment to contributing to socio-economic development, Qatar Airways Cargo increased capacity by adding extra charter freighters to connect Kenya, Bogota and Quito’s floriculture sectors 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. Because of Valentine’s Day, February is a crucial month and an important economic opportunity for the floriculture sector. Qatar Airways Cargo’s services are critical in helping reward the dedicated farm workers, farmers and entrepreneurs behind this blossoming agribusiness sector.”
