AA Cargo moves 1.2 million pounds of flowers for Valentine's Day

AA Cargo moves 1.2 million pounds of flowers for Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2024

American Airlines Cargo has moved more than 1.2 million pounds (lbs.) of flowers ahead of Valentine’s Day. Mainly transported from Europe and Latin America between 1st-10th February, the flowers were destinated for locations across the globe to ensure the seasonal blooms are fresh and ready for the celebrations.

Out of Europe, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) remained the top origin for flowers this year, with tulips being the most common type. During the 10-day peak, the cargo carrier moved fresh flowers from AMS to London Heathrow (LHR) via truck, where they then traveled on American’s extensive widebody network to the U.S. Top destinations for these Dutch blooms include Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), John. F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

American also shipped significant volumes of flowers out of Latin American locations, including Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG) with the highest volumes, followed by Quito International Airport (UIO) and Medellin Airport (MDE). This year, the flowers head to key destinations in the U.S., including BOS, DFW, ORD, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), as well as beyond, to locations like LHR, Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and San JuanLuis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). During the Valentine’s Day peak, 90% of the flowers out of Latin America are roses.

“Moving perishable shipments is one of our specialties, thanks to our extensive global network and skilled operations and sales team members around the world,” said Indy Bolina, Head of Global Sales for American Airlines Cargo. “We are proud of the role we play in moving fresh flowers for Valentine’s Day each year and are especially proud of the success we saw during this peak season with volumes exceeding 1.2 million lbs.”

Valentine’s Day is the first notable date in the year where American sees flower volumes peak across its cargo network, followed by the Emperor’s Birthday in Japan, Easter, Mother’s Day in the U.S. and Europe, All Saints Day, U.S. Thanksgiving and Christmas.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.