KQ Cargo exports Kenyan flowers to Australia

Jan 19, 2017: Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo) has begun exporting Kenyan cut flowers to Australia.

According to a market research conducted, Sydney and Melbourne were identified as key markets for Kenyan flowers. KQ Cargo is targeting to lift over 30 tonnes of flowers into Australia per month as part of revenue improvement in the ongoing Operation Pride.

The airline has partnered with Australia's largest airline and flag bearer Qantas Airways.

Commenting on the new service, KQ Cargo sales manager Patricia Odida noted that Kenya Airways flourishing relationship with the Australian airline has enabled the success of the new service to uplift flowers via Johannesburg into Sydney and Melbourne.

"This is a major game changer for Kenya, in terms of increasing trade exports of flowers to nontraditional markets. This partnership opens up the Australian market for exporters and is a business opportunity for us to generate revenue," she said.

"Previously exporters relied on other carriers, but when we got into an interline agreement with Qantas, we have seen the market grow and demand is steadily increasing. We are now working on an additional gateway through Bangkok."

KQ Cargo continues to pursue more opportunities in the fast-growing flower business in the Far East countries including China.