A few days before Valentine's Day, the Colombian carrier Avianca is celebrating 50 years of moving flowers from South America to the United States. This year, between January 16 and February 8 alone, Avianca Cargo transported close to 18,000 tons of flowers.
A booming market
The air cargo market, despite facing some headwinds, has been booming over the last few years. Avianca Cargo has taken advantage of that and has become one of the air freighter leaders in the Latin American region. In the last few weeks, the airline has carried close to 18,000 tons of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador to the United States, compared to 16,000 tons the previous year.
Avianca Cargo knows Valentine's Day is, historically, one of the best days for florists in the United States. With love floating in the air, Americans are expected to spend nearly US$26 billion on February 14 this year, up from US$23.9 billion last year, according to a report from CBS News.
Airlines play a crucial role in delivering products often purchased during the Valentine's Day season, including flowers. Among the most exported flowers this season by the airline, roses, and carnations from Bogota, pompons, hydrangeas, and chrysanthemums from Medellin, and gypsophila from Quito were the most exported.
Read more at simpleflying.com