Emirates SkyCargo sees blooming blossom business from India in 2017

Mar 8, 2017: New cargo statistics from Emirates Skycargo show a growth in the export of flowers from major Indian hubs this year. While the airline uplifted more than 550 tonnes of flowers in 2016 (January – December) from India, it has already recorded an uplift of more than 200 tonnes this year. The carrier attributes this marked increase to the pre-Valentine day rush. Unsurprisingly, roses were the most uplifted flowers from across its hubs in India.

Apart from roses, this year also saw a rise in number on the export of other exotic flowers like jasmine, orchids and carnations from hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Flowers are exported from India not only for demand around Valentine’s Day, Mothers’ Day and other similar events but also for religious purposes like garlands for temples outside India. The transportation of flowers by the air cargo carrier is a year-round activity from its hubs such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. This year, Bengaluru and Mumbai already witnessed a record uplift of close to 150 and 80 tonnes, respectively, in just the first two months of the year, stated a release.

Speaking on the flower uplift, Keki Patel, Cargo Manager (India & Nepal), Emirates SkyCargo, said, “Many regions in India have the ideal climate for cultivating flowers all year round, offering excellent growing conditions. We have witnessed a surge in flower demand this year from destinations like Europe who have experienced a harsh winter this year. We have reported strong volumes of flower transport in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day this year which will play a substantial part in the total yearly volume recorded for 2017.”

Sophisticated logistics by Emirates SkyCargo ensures quick and reliable air transport of these delicate goods to destinations across its global network. State of the art equipment and facilities help avoid the wilting of flowers.  Roses are hand harvested and then sorted, arranged in bouquets and hand-packed into boxes, which are then loaded on the aircraft. Key destinations Emirates SkyCargo has transported Valentine’s Day flowers this year are Amsterdam, London, Gulf countries like Kuwait Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, US destinations like New York and San Francisco.

Emirates Skycargo also offers a range of innovative cool chain solutions to ensure that the flowers are maintained at the right temperature from the origin to destination. One such solution is ‘White Cover’ – an innovative temperature protection solution that is cost efficient and environmentally friendly. Designed to shield temperature-sensitive cargo from solar heat during transportation, it is water resistant, yet breathable making it ideal for the transport flowers.  Handling and loading of the flowers is managed by trained Emirates SkyCargo staff helping maintain product integrity during transportation.

Recently the carrier also installed a unique decal of a rose flower on one of its freighter aircraft- Rosie – to highlight Emirates SkyCargo’s contribution to the global floriculture industry specifically around Valentine’s Day. Rosie visited Mumbai for the first time on February 22, 2017 and will be making its second visit to Mumbai on March 11, 2017.