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This decal, affixed to the aircraft at Emirates' Aircraft Paint Centre in Dubai, is the first of its kind for Emirates SkyCargo, highlighting the airline's commitment to the floral industry through the global transportation of fresh flowers.
One of the first destinations for this aircraft will be Nairobi in Kenya. There, the plane will pick up shipments of flowers to be transported to Amsterdam – the world's largest flower distribution center.
Shipping flowers around the world.
Every day, Emirates SkyCargo transports fresh flowers to more than 150 destinations within its international network. This includes shipments on dedicated aircraft from major flower-exporting countries like Kenya and Ecuador, delivered directly to Amsterdam, as well as shipments in cargo hold from distant countries such as India, New Zealand, Vietnam, Zambia, and Ethiopia. From January to December 2016, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 70,000 tonnes of fresh flowers around the world.
Although flower shipping is an annual activity, there has been a significant increase in the quantity of flowers, especially roses, shipped during Valentine's Day, the most important day of the year for florists worldwide. An estimated nearly 250 million rose bushes have been planted globally specifically to meet the increased demand for flowers during Valentine's Day. Emirates SkyCargo has increased its annual cargo capacity on major flower trade routes to increase the volume of flowers shipped to Aalsmeer – the world's largest flower auction house in Amsterdam – from where they are then distributed to destinations around the world.
A week before Valentine's Day this year, Emirates SkyCargo operated four additional shipments from Nairobi compared to its usual service, transporting nearly 350 tonnes of flowers to Amsterdam. These extra shipments tripled the weekly transport capacity between Quito, Ecuador, and Amsterdam to meet Valentine's Day demand. By facilitating the international import of flowers from countries like Kenya and Ecuador, Emirates SkyCargo is making a significant contribution to the economies of these regions, where the flower industry is extremely important. The flower industry supports the employment of approximately half a million Kenyans and over 100,000 Ecuadorians.
Cooling chain and flowers
The journey of a flower typically begins in the field, where it is harvested by hand. The freshly cut flowers are then sorted, bundled into bunches, hand-packed into boxes, and finally loaded onto an airplane. To ensure maximum freshness and longevity, the temperature in the aircraft's cargo hold must be maintained between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius.
Emirates SkyCargo also offers a range of advanced cooling solutions to ensure flowers are kept at the optimal temperature from origin to destination. One solution, called “White Cover,” is an advanced, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly thermal protection solution. Designed to prevent the sun's heat from affecting the temperature-sensitive cargo compartment throughout the transport process, this solution is waterproof yet allows the flowers to breathe, creating ideal conditions for flower transport. Flower handling is performed by skilled Emirates SkyCargo personnel, ensuring the flowers remain intact during transit.
Emirates SkyCargo remains a leading carrier, operating a fleet of 255 new and modern aircraft, including 15 dedicated aircraft comprising 13 Boeing 777-Fs and 2 Boeing 747-400ERFs. The airline also offers specialized cargo solutions for clients in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals and automotive.
