Love is in the air: Qatar’s cargo love story

Qatar Airways has soared to new heights this Valentine's Day with a surge in demand on its cargo route from Kenya. The Doha-based airline reported a record tonnage for flowers from its Nairobi hub, leading to the deployment of extra capacity to meet the overwhelming demand. Mark Drusch, the airline's Chief Cargo Officer, shared insights with CNBC Africa’s Godfrey Mutizwa on the blooming success. Drusch highlighted the significance of the flower trade, especially in countries like Kenya, where it plays a crucial role in the economy. He emphasized that Qatar Airways takes pride in facilitating the transportation of flowers, bringing joy to millions of people around the world. The airline is expected to transport over 25 million red roses, equivalent to 800 tons of flowers, ahead of Valentine's Day, spreading happiness far and wide. Besides the floral frenzy, Drusch discussed the broader cargo story from Qatar Airways' perspective. He underscored the airline's status as the largest freight carrier globally, operating the most extensive freight operation for a single carrier in Doha. With air freight accounting for 1% of volume but 35% of value in global trade, Qatar Airways stands out as a key player in the industry. Drusch elaborated on the strong performance in 2024, particularly in Asian markets like China, Hong Kong, Macau, and India. The airline also witnessed significant growth in regions like Vietnam, setting a positive outlook for 2025. Qatar Airways' strong Africa link was another focal point of the conversation. Drusch highlighted the airline's robust presence in Africa, operating four dedicated freighters per week and serving 25 destinations with passenger widebodies. The expansion plans for Africa include unveiling a new point with widebodies, adding 2,000 tons per week in capacity. Looking ahead, Qatar Airways remains optimistic about the African market's growth potential, forecasting a 5-6% increase in volumes for 2025. Drusch emphasized the flexibility in adjusting capacity based on market dynamics, ensuring a responsive approach to meet evolving demand. Despite global trade uncertainties, including talks of tariffs, Qatar Airways remains confident in the long-term prospects, foreseeing continued growth and resilience in the market. The airline's strategic investments in African carriers like Airlink and potential future ventures signal its commitment to enhancing connectivity and services on the continent, solidifying its position as a key player in the aviation industry.