SAUDIA Cargo has increased its flower volumes since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, while the airline has also noted growing demand for flower volumes directly into the Middle East.
'There has been an increased demand as a result of Covid. This is largely attributed to the general continual reduction of PAX belly capacities and subsequent pressure on limited freighter capacities,' said saudia Cargo Africa chief Ken Mbogo
Mr Mbogo told London's Air Cargo News that as the flower sector enters its traditional peak season demand for the transportation of the perishable product is 'extremely high' for volumes into Europe but also to the emerging Middle East market.
Mr Mbogo said volumes into Saudi Arabia and UAE have increased over the last couple of years due to the gradual development of a direct sales market.
He explained that previously flowers for the Middle East would go through flower auction platforms, such as those in the Netherlands.
But these flower markets have been disrupted by Covid restrictions and lockdowns resulting in more direct sales.
He said Saudia has also benefited from surging demand for flower transportation over the last couple of years as its freighters were able to pick up volumes that would have previously been transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft.
SeaNews Turkey
'There has been an increased demand as a result of Covid. This is largely attributed to the general continual reduction of PAX belly capacities and subsequent pressure on limited freighter capacities,' said saudia Cargo Africa chief Ken Mbogo
Mr Mbogo told London's Air Cargo News that as the flower sector enters its traditional peak season demand for the transportation of the perishable product is 'extremely high' for volumes into Europe but also to the emerging Middle East market.
Mr Mbogo said volumes into Saudi Arabia and UAE have increased over the last couple of years due to the gradual development of a direct sales market.
He explained that previously flowers for the Middle East would go through flower auction platforms, such as those in the Netherlands.
But these flower markets have been disrupted by Covid restrictions and lockdowns resulting in more direct sales.
He said Saudia has also benefited from surging demand for flower transportation over the last couple of years as its freighters were able to pick up volumes that would have previously been transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft.
SeaNews Turkey
