Avianca Cargo closed its 2026 Mother’s Day season with record results, cementing its role as the top air carrier of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador to the United States. The airline transported more than 21,000 tons of flowers (which translates into around 330 million stems), accounting for 42% of Colombian flower exports to the U.S. and at least one in three flowers exported from the broader region.
To handle peak demand in its largest Mother’s Day operation to date, Avianca Cargo dedicated 42% of its capacity (instead of the normal 30%) to flower shipments, operated over 330 cargo flights, running up to 24 daily departures and moving approximately 24 million stems within a single 24-hour period. The carrier deployed nine dedicated freighters, two more than in 2025, plus additional leased capacity to avoid disrupting other markets.
Infrastructure was also scaled up: Miami ground staff increased by 20%, while warehouse capacity grew 35% in Bogotá and 41% in Medellín. The airline held an estimated 65% market share on the Medellín–Miami route and around 35% on Bogotá–Miami, and expanded its Los Angeles service from three to five weekly frequencies compared to last year’s season.
The airline also took the occasion to recognize the workers, many of them mothers themselves, who keep the floriculture and logistics chain moving.
Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo, commented: “Mother’s Day remains one of the most significant seasons for the flower industry, and we are proud to deliver another strong performance that reinforces our leadership in the market. This year’s results reflect the scale of our operation and the trust our partners place in us to move more than 21,000 tons of flowers to the United States, which reflects the coordinated work across the entire logistics chain and further strengthens our role as a key connector between Colombia, Ecuador and global markets.” Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations (СВР), added: “As families prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, our agriculture specialists and frontline officers are working tirelessly to help ensure flowers arriving into the United States are safe from harmful pests and plant diseases. I’m incredibly proud of our workforce and their commitment to protecting America’s agriculture while helping families enjoy this meaningful holiday with peace of mind.”
