The airbridge between Nairobi and Liege was launched in 2018, carrying up to 100 tonnes of perishables per flight.
The perishable products on the flights include cut flowers, fresh vegetables and herbs.
The service has important socioeconomic benefits for Kenya by assisting its horticultural industry and providing thousands of jobs.
Thomas Frankum, CEO of MidnightZulu, says, “The products are meticulously harvested and prepared for uplift by a massive 10,000 people for every flight, and each person has between 8 and 10 dependants relying upon their income. Therefore, every flight literally puts food on the table for around 100,000 people.”
The operation started in 2018 with three flights a week, which increased to four a week in 2019, and is expected to increase this year and next year.
The flights are operated by Magma Aviation’s Boeing 747-400Fs and once the cargo lands in Liege, it is customs cleared and loaded onto MidnightZulu-operated trailers, which make deliveries across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and the UK.
Conor Brannigan, CEO of Magma Aviation, says, “From the onset, Magma Aviation, in partnership with MidnightZulu, was driven by the vision to revolutionise air cargo transportation between Kenya and Europe. It was not just about business, but about making a difference; connecting continents and supporting the vibrant horticulture industry in Kenya. Our collaborative efforts have ensured a steady flow of essential fresh goods, whilst contributing to the Kenyan economy and providing sustenance to the local community.”