Avianca Cargo doubled its cargo capacity for flower transportation ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations in the US.
The airline transported more than 400m stems weighing around 18,000 tons on some 300 flights from Colombia and Ecuador to the US.
More than 14,000 tons were transported from the A330 freighter operator’s home market of Colombia.
Flower types transported from Bogota included roses and carnations. From Medellin, pompons, hydrangeas and chrysanthemums. And from Quito roses, carnations, and gypsophila.
Diogo Elias, senior vice president of Avianca Cargo, said: “It is a constant in our mothers’ seasons to transport flowers with the utmost care to keep them fresh to their destination and meet the needs of our customers. In this way we also support the dynamisation of the Colombian and Ecuadorian economy, moving one of the most significant products in the region, and helping to boost this industry.”
As well as increasing its cargo capacity, the airline also increased its operating personnel by 30% and extended opening hours at key origin and arrival stations.
Last year, the carrier reported carried around 19,000 tons of flowers in the run-up to Mother’s Day.
Meanwhile, the LATAM Group said it had transported around 24,000 tons - a 20% increase year on year.
Data firm WorldACD reported that air cargo volumes out of Central and South America (CSA) have took off in the last few weeks of April ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations in North America.
Analysis from the company shows that air cargo volumes from CSA increased by 17% week on week in week 17, following on from a rise of 14% in week 16.
