Bahrain Takes on Flowers from Nairobi Amidst Freight Issues
Bahrain International Airshow is becoming a key player for horticulture freights especially flowers from Kenya as it leads in quality
Kenya, a global leader in floriculture, exports vast quantities of cut flowers, with Nairobi serving as a key hub. The landscapes in Kenya enable favorable climate and year-round growing conditions making it the third-largest exporter of flowers worldwide. However, the freight issues are continuedly making the challenge of delivering these flowers to global markets an issue with exporters having to look for numerous cargo options from other flights.
Bahrain International Airshow, is quickly becoming a key player for horticulture freights especially flowers from Kenya as it leads the production in quality of produce. Yet, these blooms tell a story of global connections, with aviation playing a central role in their passage from Kenya’s vibrant fields to Bahrain’s elegant settings.
Transporting these delicate goods requires speed and precision, and air freight is the perfect solution. Flowers are carefully packed into temperature-controlled cargo holds, ensuring they remain fresh for up to 10 days—a feat made possible by companies like DHL.
DHL Bahrain, a crucial player in the region’s logistics landscape, showcasing the importance of air freight in connecting global markets. Its £181 million facility at Bahrain International Airport serves as a vital gateway for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), handling everything from fresh flowers to e-commerce goods, electronics, and even live animals.
The diversity of cargo on board DHL’s flights is remarkable as inbound flights from Africa often carry fragrant flowers, avocados, and fruits, while routes from Pakistan bring meat and produce. On longer routes to Hong Kong and Singapore, shipments include electronics, fish, and even chocolate. During the pandemic, DHL Bahrain’s fleet became a lifeline, transporting Covid vaccines across the region, saving lives in the process.
Managing such varied cargo requires meticulous planning. DHL’s fleet of Boeing 767-300s, often affectionately called “Cadillac” by its crews for their spacious cockpits, operates with precision. Strict slot controls at destination airports allow only a 30-minute window for arrivals, emphasizing the importance of efficiency. With a total cargo capacity of 120,000 pounds per flight, these aircraft connect the world’s goods seamlessly.
Yet, air freight is not without its challenges. Environmental concerns drive logistics companies to innovate, with DHL committing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Initiatives like adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and modernizing fleets show how the industry is evolving to meet its responsibilities.
Whether it’s flowers for a special occasion, electronics powering daily life, or life-saving medicines, air freight continues to ensure the availability of goods we often take for granted. Behind every table adorned with vibrant blooms lies a story of global collaboration, innovation, and the enduring power of human connection.
