DALLAS — Avianca Cargo (QT) has shipped flowers at a record-breaking pace for Valentine's Day 2025.
The flower transport operation occurred from Colombia and Ecuador to North America, where the airline doubled its capacity for its busiest season. QT flew about 300 cargo flights, during which nearly 18,000 tons of flowers reached significant hubs such as Miami International Airport (MIA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
This volume growth is attributed to infrastructure investment improvement projects, digitalization, and workforce expansion by about 30%.
Avianca Cargo primarily operates Airbus A330 freighters for these routes. The fleet includes A330-200F and A330-300P2F (passenger-to-freighter) models, which are well-suited for transporting perishable goods like flowers and oversized cargo.
These aircraft have a capacity of approximately 65 tons and can handle up to 23 pallets on the main deck. Additionally, QT benefits from its partnership with AeroUnion, which Air Cargo News reported last year. AeroUnion also operates A330-300P2F aircraft on routes including Los Angeles and Miami, further enhancing capacity and connectivity.
"To ensure a seamless experience for our customers, logistics was meticulously optimized before Valentine's Day," said Diogo Elias, Avianca Cargo Senior Vice President.
"The process resulted in a 40% improvement in flower processing time and nearly a 50% reduction in delivery times. These accomplishments affirm our commitment to excellence. A dedicated team combined with robust partnerships within our supply chain make all the difference in delivering superior service to the flower industry."
Operational Achievements
Avianca Cargo saw some notable milestones in its U.S. operations during the season, thus further consolidating the airline's leading position in flower transport:
- Reduced Flower Processing and Delivery Time in Miami: The airline reduced flower processing and delivery times through Miami by 57%.
- Leading Position in Los Angeles Flights: Avianca Cargo established itself as the leading flower transporter in Los Angeles.
- Expanded Workforce: A 30% increase in the U.S. operations team in key hubs like Miami and Los Angeles.
- Doubled Capacity: Approximately 18,000 tons of flowers were transported.
- Excellence in Service: Industry-leading service standards were maintained.
"Miami International Airport is, yet again, the nation's top entry point for fresh-cut flowers," declared Director and Chief Executive Officer of MIA, Ralph Cutié. "Miami will handle nearly 1,500 tons to arrive this Valentine's holiday; up some 3 percent compared with the previous year."
Solid cooperation among these groups has led to millions of blossoming flora being received across America over this important romantic celebration date due to the significant backup received by Federal agency support: Customs & Border Protection.
Leading the Pack
The airline’s focus on infrastructure enhancements includes adding two Airbus A330P2F aircraft in 2025. "Incremental capacity was delivered, and our value proposition in Colombia and Ecuador was realized," noted Diogo Elias, Senior Vice President of Avianca Cargo.
Most flower imports coming into MIA hail from South America and are imported by airlines, including QT, LATAM Cargo (UC), and Atlas Air (5Y). QT surpassed its competition, cementing its position as a trusted partner in transporting perishables—gardens, especially flowers—to key U.S. and European markets.
With a capacity of 220 cargo flights and over 1,400 passenger flights utilizing belly cargo space, the airline connects over 70 destinations in Latin America, the United States, and Europe.
Through 70 interline agreements, QT extends its network to over 350 global destinations. Operating with one of the most environmentally efficient fleets, the airline holds IATA CEIV certifications in four categories: Pharma, Fresh, Live, and Lithium Batteries.
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Featured image: Luca Flores/Airways
