FLOWER TRANSPORTATION F


AIR CARG O WEEK


VALENTINE’S DAY SURGE NEARS


13 BY Anastasiya SIMSEK


flights expected. Behind the scenes, 24/7 operations, temperature- controlled infrastructure, and a tightly integrated cargo community are working in sync to keep high-value floral shipments fresh and on time. As Valentine’s Day approaches, one of Europe’s busiest flower


F


hubs is already in high gear. CargoLand by LGG is preparing to handle more than 25 additional charter flights this season. Handling thousands of tonnes of flower shipments requires more than refrigeration. At LGG, it’s the integration of


infrastructure,


processes, and people that makes the dif ference. “Our


fully cargo-dedicated model, combined with unrestricted


24/7 operations and no slot or night curfews, allows flower shipments to move without interruption,” says Frédéric Brun, Head of Commercial Cargo and Logistics at CargoLand by LGG. “That’s critical for preserving freshness.” Direct airside access, rapid transfers, and specialised Fastlane


solutions mean shipments spend minimal time in transit. Swissport has developed a fully temperature-controlled flower corridor, including a caster deck with two full aircraft positions under controlled conditions. “Continuous monitoring and quality- controlled handling processes help maintain strict stability throughout the cargo journey,” Brun adds.”


temperature


East Africa and Latin America LGG’s central location, paired with its cold chain capacity, has made it a key hub for floral cargo entering Europe — particularly from East


lower volumes at LGG rose by 9 percent compared to 2024, cementing their role as a central pillar of the airport’s perishables operations. As the Valentine’s Day peak approaches, LGG’s CargoLand platform is scaling up to meet surging demand with over 25 additional charter


Africa and Latin America. “In Africa, LGG is the number one European partner for Nairobi


and Addis Ababa,” says Torsten Wefers, Vice President Sales & Marketing at CargoLand by LGG. “Latin America is also a growing origin within our perishables


traf fic.” These flows are underpinned by robust handling protocols and close coordination with logistics providers, allowing flowers to move seamlessly through the airport and onto road networks that connect to major European markets. In a supply chain where hours matter, coordination among airlines,


handlers, and authorities is essential. LGG’s flower


community operates on shared KPIs and digital tools to maintain transparency and ef ficiency. “Authorities play an active and supportive role… shared KPIs have


been established across stakeholders, allowing performance to be measured and continuously improved,” Wefers notes. Digital tools like LGG Tracking provide real-time cargo visibility


and improve response time when deviations occur — essential in maintaining the integrity of floral freight. In 2025, LGG saw a 9 percent increase in flower volumes


compared to the previous year. To meet this, the airport is investing in expanded warehouse space, upgraded digital infrastructure, and increased operational capacity. “These developments further strengthen LGG’s ability to support


sensitive cargo flows and reinforce its long-term commitment to high-performance flower logistics,” Brun confirms. With Valentine’s shipments surging and spring peaks on the


horizon, LGG is positioning itself not just as a waypoint, but as a collaborative ecosystem where reliability,


visibility, and speed


define success. “Flower logistics at this scale is a community ef fort,” says Wefers. “No stakeholder operates in isolation.”


www.aircargoweek.com 09 FEBRUARY 2026 ACW


“That’s critical for preserving freshness.”


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