As the world celebrated Valentine’s Day, Qatar Airways Cargo played a crucial role in spreading love by transporting 25 million fresh-cut Kenyan red roses. The airline shipped 1,600 tonnes of flowers on its Nairobi-Doha and Liège routes, ensuring timely delivery for the romantic occasion.
To meet the increased demand during this peak season, Qatar Airways Cargo deployed nine additional Boeing 777 charter freighters, supplementing its regular passenger-and-cargo flights. This logistical effort underscores the airline’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s thriving floriculture industry, which remains a key contributor to the nation’s economy.
Kenya’s floriculture sector is a remarkable success story, with the country producing high-quality roses thanks to its favorable growing conditions. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, highlighted the significance of this industry, stating, “Kenya’s floriculture sector is a remarkable success story that deserves recognition and support. The country produces stunning, high-quality roses, thanks to its unique growing conditions. As the world’s top air cargo carrier, we take pride in playing a vital role in sharing Kenya’s floral beauty with the world while supporting the local economy.”
Valentine’s Day has become an internationally recognized celebration, with cut roses being the preferred floral choice for millions of couples worldwide. Approximately 40% of Kenya’s flowers are exported to European markets, while the Middle East, Japan, and Australia also serve as key destinations. February remains a crucial month for Kenya’s floriculture industry, providing a significant economic boost.
Qatar Airways Cargo plays a pivotal role in this floral boom by ensuring the seamless transportation of Kenya’s flower exports. On an annual basis, the airline transports over 25,000 tonnes of freight from Kenya, with flowers accounting for 75% of the total cargo. The remaining shipments primarily consist of meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Beyond delivering roses, Kenya’s expanding agribusiness sector reflects the country’s growing and diversifying economy, catering to both leisure and business air travel. According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the flower industry contributes 1.25% to Kenya’s GDP and provides employment to over 500,000 people, reinforcing its socio-economic importance.
Qatar Airways Cargo has further expanded its capacity by introducing additional charter flights to strengthen the connectivity between Kenya’s floriculture sector and key global markets. These extra flights complement the carrier’s existing operations, which include 14 scheduled passenger-and-cargo flights and three weekly Boeing 777 freighters between Nairobi and Doha.
Through its strategic logistics operations, Qatar Airways Cargo continues to support Kenya’s floriculture industry, ensuring that millions worldwide receive the perfect Valentine’s Day roses on time.
