How Qatar Airways is Spreading the Love this Valentine's Day

Qatar Airways Cargo is one of numerous air cargo carriers dedicated to ensuring fresh-cut flowers reach their intended destination in time for Valentine's Day. This year, it moved 2,800 tonnes of such flowers to meet global demand in the run-up to the annual celebration of love. 

The shipments, equivalent to 42 million red roses, originate from Kenya and South America and are destined for markets across the globe. 

Qatar Airways Cargo transported almost 1,600 tonnes of roses from Nairobi using both scheduled services and dedicated charter flights. From Bogotá and Quito, almost 1,200 tonnes were carried to key distribution points, including Amsterdam, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, ensuring a steady supply for florists and retailers worldwide.

Additional charters meet peak season demand

To accommodate the seasonal surge, Qatar Airways Cargo supplemented its regular operations with additional freighter services. In the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, the airline operated nine extra Boeing 777 freighters from Nairobi and 10 from Quito, enhancing capacity and ensuring timely deliveries.

Mark Drusch, Chief Cargo Officer at Qatar Airways, highlights the significance of the operations: “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.”

The additional flights complemented the carrier’s existing network, which spans more than 170 passenger destinations and 60 freighter routes. By expanding capacity during peak periods, the airline strengthens supply chains for the floriculture industry and facilitates economic growth in flower-producing regions.

Supporting global floriculture with seamless logistics

Qatar Airways Cargo relies on its Boeing 777 freighters for both scheduled and charter operations. These aircraft provide the efficiency and reliability needed for perishable shipments, ensuring flowers remain fresh throughout transit.

The airline’s dedicated Fresh product maintains a seamless cool chain from origin to destination, preserving the quality of blooms for consumers worldwide.

Mark emphasises the importance of the Valentine’s Day period for flower exporters: “Because of Valentine’s Day, February is a crucial month and 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.”

By leveraging its global network and advanced logistics capabilities, Qatar Airways Cargo continues to support the international floriculture industry, ensuring millions of flowers arrive on time for one of the busiest gifting seasons of the year.

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