Qatar Airways Cargo has transported 1,600 tonnes of flowers, equivalent to 25 million fresh-cut Kenyan red roses, on its Nairobi-Doha and Liège routes in time for Valentine’s Day.
To meet the high demand during this peak season, the airline added nine Boeing 777 charter freighters to its regular passenger-and-cargo flights.
Annually, Qatar Airways Cargo ships over 25,000 tonnes of freight from Kenya, with flowers making up 75% of the total. The rest includes meat, fruits, and vegetables.
“Kenya’s floriculture sector is a success story that deserves recognition. The country produces stunning, high-quality roses, and we are proud to share Kenya’s floral beauty with the world while supporting the local economy,” said Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo.
Valentine’s Day, celebrated globally as the most romantic day of the year, sees cut roses as the top choice for couples. Around 40% of Kenya’s flowers are exported to Europe, with the Middle East, Japan, and Australia also being key markets.
Drusch noted the economic impact of Valentine’s Day, stating: “February is crucial for Kenya’s floriculture industry, providing a significant economic boost. Our cargo services ensure the hard work of farm workers and entrepreneurs is rewarded.”
Kenya’s agribusiness sector continues to grow, supporting both leisure and business air travel. The flower industry contributes 1.25% to Kenya’s GDP and employs over 500,000 people, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its capacity with additional charter flights to enhance connectivity between Kenya’s floriculture sector and global markets. These flights complement the carrier’s existing 14 scheduled passenger-and-cargo flights and three weekly Boeing 777 freighters between Nairobi and Doha.
