Qatar Airways delivers 25 million red roses from Kenya for Valentine’s Day

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 accommodate the surge in demand during this peak season, the airline deployed nine additional Boeing 777 charter freighters alongside its regular passenger-and-cargo flights.

On an annual basis, Qatar Airways Cargo transports over 25,000 tonnes of freight from Kenya, with flowers accounting for 75% of the total cargo. The remaining shipments mainly consist of meat, fruits, and vegetables.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, emphasized the significance of Kenya’s floriculture 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 celebrated occasion, widely regarded as the most romantic day of the year.

Cut roses remain the preferred floral choice for millions of couples worldwide. Approximately 40% of Kenya’s flowers are exported to European markets, with the Middle East, Japan, and Australia also being key destinations.

Drusch highlighted the economic impact of this floral boom, stating: “February is a crucial month for Kenya’s floriculture industry, with Valentine’s Day providing a significant economic boost. Our cargo services ensure that the hard work of farm workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in the sector is rewarded.”

Kenya’s expanding agribusiness sector is also a testament to the country’s growing and diversifying economy, which increasingly caters 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.

In line with its commitment to Africa’s socio-economic development, Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its capacity by introducing additional charter flights to enhance connectivity between Kenya’s floriculture sector and key global markets.

These additional 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.