5% for number 5
Peak season for flower exports. That day has come again. On the day this issue was published lovers were pleased that airfreight operators, including those at Quito airport, worked overtime to ensure that fresh flowers from South America reached them on time.
At Mariscal Sucre airport in Quito (Ecuador) the peak season for flower exports for this year’s Valentine’s Day began on 18 January and ran until 8 February. Airport operator Quiport expects this year’s export volumes to rise by approximately 35%, compared to the 2024 season.
A year ago flower exports from Quito airport attained a new record figure for Valentine’s Day, totalling no less than approximately 26,466 t of exported blooms. This year, 493 flower flights were expected to be operated by 15 cargo airlines, transporting Ecuadorian flowers primarily to the USA and Europe.
Volumes growing steadily
Ramón Miró, the president and CEO of Corporación Quiport, highlighted the importance of this peak season. “Airfreight growth in Quito has been steady and has surpassed previous volumes every year. Ecuadorian flowers enjoy an excellent reputation, and as the hub operator in Quito it’s our responsibility to ensure that processes run smoothly and that the flowers can be shipped out on time.”
The international cargo terminal at Mariscal Sucre airport covers 13,000 m2 and houses four palletisation enterprises in charge of handling flower exports. The specially-equipped cargo apron enables the simultaneous processing of six widebody freighters, including four ‘category E’ aircraft (Boeing B777-200s, for example) and two ‘category F’ units (including Boeing B747-800s, for example).
Top 20 Latin American airfreight hubs
Thanks to its modern infrastructure and efficient processes, Quito airport is one of the leading centres in the region. In 2024, it came fifth on a list ranking the top 20 air cargo centres there, published by Airports Council International, Latin America and the Caribbean (ACILAC), thus confirming its central role in Ecuador’s overall export sector.