economy
May 6, 2026
From the farm to the plane: the logistics route that turns a Colombian flower into a Mother's Day gift
Avianca Cargo mobilized more than 21,000 tons of Colombian flowers. Photo: PORTAFOLIO
TL;DR
- Avianca Cargo transported over 21,000 tons of Colombian flowers for Mother's Day 2026.
- This operation, completed in 20 days, was the largest in the company's history, involving 330 flights.
- Flowers undergo strict phytosanitary inspections by the ICA to detect pests like thrips.
- A critical cold chain is maintained from the farm to the aircraft, with storage between 2-8 degrees Celsius.
- The El Dorado Cargo Terminal in Bogotá handles 85% of the city's perishable cargo, with all shipments passing through X-ray.
- 90% of the flowers were shipped to the United States, with Miami as the main destination.
- The Colombian flower sector generates 240,000 jobs, 60% of which are held by women.