Out of Europe, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the top origin for flowers with tulips the most popular type.
During the 10-day peak from 1-10 February, fresh flowers were transported from Schiphol to London’s Heathrow Airport via truck to catch transatlantic flights.
Top destinations include Boston Logan International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, New York’s John. F Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Flowers have been shipped from Latin America with Bogota El Dorado International Airport handling the highest volumes followed by Quito International Airport and Medellin Airport.
Top destinations for Latin American flowers in the US include Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare and Phoenix Sky Harbor International.
Latin American flowers use American Airlines Cargo’s network to fly onwards to European destinations including Heathrow and Madrid-Barajas Airport, and San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico is another important location.
Indy Bolina, Head of Global Sales for American Airlines Cargo, says, “Moving perishable shipments is one of our specialties, thanks to our extensive global network and skilled operations and sales team members around the world. 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 for flower volumes followed by the Emperor’s Day in Japan, Easter, Mother’s Day, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.