Although the tulips are blooming in the Netherlands, roses must be imported from Kenya, a lead exporter of cut roses. This month, Saudia Cargo will get a 25 percent boost on the Nairobi-to-Amsterdam route, operating at least six extra 747Fs to accommodate Europe’s springtime demand for Kenyan flowers.
This increase in frequency is in addition to Saudia’s existing six weekly scheduled 747F flights, which means an increase in monthly-consolidated capacity of 3,000 tonnes.
The European Union imports 38 percent of Kenya’s roses, with 65 percent of the exported flowers sold through Dutch auctions, although direct sales are growing.
“Saudia Cargo’s strong schedule, on-time performance and continuous proven agility to deploy extra frequencies during such seasonal peak periods has amplified our position as a leading carrier in the Kenyan airfreight market,” said Ken Mbogo, regional director Africa at Saudia Cargo.