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American Airlines Cargo moved more than 1.2 million pounds of flowers in time for Valentine’s Day
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Amsterdam Airport remains the top origin for flowers this year, specifically tulips
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Top US destinations include international airports in Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago
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Other special days when flowers are flown worldwide include Mother’s Day, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, among others
Love is in the air. Or at least the most common gift on Valentine’s Day were in the skies throughout the world this week.
American Airlines Cargo moved more than 1.2 million pounds of flowers in time for Valentine’s Day.
The flowers mainly moved from Europe and Latin America during the Feb. 1 to 10 period, destined for various locations worldwide. The quick delivery ensured that the seasonal blooms are fresh and ready for the Feb. 14 celebrations, the company said in a news release.
From Europe, the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) was still the top origin of flowers in 2024, with tulips being the most common export.
During the 10-day peak, American Airlines Cargo moved fresh flowers from AMS to London Heathrow (LHR) via truck. The shipment then traveled on the airline’s extensive widebody network to the US.
The top destinations for the Dutch blooms include Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Miami International Airport (MIA), and the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Indy Bolina, head of global sales for American Airlines Cargo, in a statement said “moving perishable shipments is one of our specialties, thanks to our extensive global network.”
Added Bolina: “We are especially proud of the success we saw during this peak season with volumes exceeding 1.2 million pounds.”
The carrier also shipped significant volumes of flowers out of Latin American locations, including Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG) with the highest volume, followed by Quito International Airport (UIO) and Medellin Airport (MDE).
This 2024, the flowers went to key destinations in the US, including BOS, DFW, ORD, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), even going as far as LHR, the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and the San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
In contrast to the tulips coming from Amsterdam, 90% of the flowers from Latin America were roses.
Annually, Valentine’s Day is the first big date of each year where American Airlines Cargo delivers flowers in large volumes across its network. Other notable days in the year are the Emperor’s Birthday in Japan, Mother’s Day in the US and Europe, All Saints Day, US Thanksgiving and Christmas.
American Airlines Cargo delivers daily between major cities in the US, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia.
The airline supports shipments from life-saving pharmaceuticals to mail and e-commerce on the world’s largest passenger network.
