Avianca Cargo has concluded its Mother’s Day season on a high note, having transported over 400 million flower stems, equivalent to nearly 18,000 tonnes of cargo, across some 300 flights from Colombia and Ecuador to the US.

With over 14,000 tonnes originating from Colombia alone for the season, Avianca Cargo says it doubled its usual capacity for flower transportation, marking the second time this year it has done so.

It follows the airline reporting in February that it transported close to 18,000 tonnes of flowers for Valentine’s Day season from Colombia and Ecuador to the US between January 16 and February 8.

Noteworthy flowers exports for Mother’s Day included roses and carnations from Bogota, pompons, hydrangeas, and chrysanthemums from Medellin, and roses, carnations, and gypsophila from Quito.

Diogo Elias, senior vice president of Avianca Cargo, said: “It is a constant in our mothers’ seasons to transport flowers with the utmost care to keep them fresh to their destination and meet the needs of our customers.

“In this way we also support the dynamisation of the Colombian and Ecuadorian economy, moving one of the most significant products in the region, and helping to boost this industry.”

Avianca Cargo says that its teams were prepared months before the launch of the Mother’s Day season, increasing its operating personnel by 30% and increasing the extended 24/7 reception hours at origin stations such as Colombia and Ecuador and arrival stations such as Miami and Los Angeles.

READ MORE NEWS: Avianca Cargo doubles regular flower cargo capacity during Valentine’s season