On January 17, 2024, Atlas Airlines began flying a flower-filled 767 from Colombia's Jose Maria Cordova International Airport to Miami International Airport.
“Each year, starting in January, air freight volumes skyrocket, with large numbers of flowers flying off to be sent in bouquets. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest holidays of the year for florists; The week is one of special days for Atlas. “Our busiest peak season. In the United States, 80% of imported flowers come from Colombia,” the Atlas release states.
A 767 loaded with flowers for its first flight on January 17, 2024
said Arian Castellanos, senior manager of ground operations systems and technology solutions at Atlas Air. We have always had a strong presence by flying our flowers from Bogota, which is our largest market in terms of distribution volumes. Expanding our Colombian operations to Medellin, Colombia's second largest flower market, will ensure we can meet demand. ”
Frank Diaz, senior director of sales and marketing for Atlas Air, added: “Roses are mainly produced in Bogota, but Medellin has a warmer climate, so they grow many different types of flowers, such as carnations and peonies. In the past, they used to bring flowers from Medellin and load them into trucks. With the addition of this route, flowers can now be flown from Medellin, saving time and delivering fresher flowers. It is now possible.”
The 767 is also a new model for Atlas' South American operations, and it arrives at the right time for the peak flower season, the release added. “For the flower flight from Bogotá, we fly a 747,” Diaz says. “Medellin is a small market and has low volumes, so we are able to take advantage of our 767. It is exciting to bring a new type of aircraft to the region and serve new markets.”
“We used to import flowers from Quito and Bogota to Miami,” said Castellanos. “With the expansion to Medellin, we have increased the number of flights to the station, and now we operate five flights a week on this route.” says.
Diaz said: “Mother's Day (May) will be the next peak for Atlas. And after that the volume will decrease, but we will continue to fly flowers from Medellin. We will continue to fly flowers from Medellin. “We are committed to meeting the demand and maintaining our demand.” It exists all year round. ”
