Fresh-cut flowers don't wait. Their value fades with every hour lost to poor handling, customs bottlenecks, or imprecise cold chain conditions. That's why airfreight remains not just relevant, but indispensable, in the global floral economy.
While the flower trade might conjure images of romance and celebration, the logistics behind it is anything but sentimental. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global airfreight value of flowers has surged from $852 million in 2003 to US$3.7 billion in 2024. Behind this growth is a shift in both import and export dynamics.
The United States remains the largest importer, accounting for over 53 percent of the global flower market, followed by the Netherlands at 31.2 percent—largely due to its function as a central European hub. The UK, once a dominant player, now represents just 5.5 percent.
On the export side, Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya lead the way, with Ethiopia now emerging as a notable contributor. Trade liberalisation has opened doors for these economies, but without air cargo advancements, that opportunity would wilt on arrival.
Speed above all
Cut flowers are one of the most perishable goods in commercial trade. From harvest to retail display, the race against degradation begins within hours. "Unlike sea or road freight, which can take days or weeks, airfreight allows flowers to reach global markets within hours," a technical overview from Stellavia highlighted.
To maintain integrity, flowers must be shipped between 0°C and 4°C, often with 95 percent humidity to prevent dehydration. This cold chain infrastructure—refrigerated trucks, temperature-controlled warehouses, and pre-cooled packaging—is where air cargo operators play a decisive role.
