Network Airline Management (NAM) has achieved a new operational milestone, transporting a record 3,100 tonnes of freshly cut flowers from Nairobi, Kenya, to Liege, Belgium, during the 2026 Valentine’s Day peak. This year’s operation marked NAM’s largest-ever single-campaign effort, underscoring its critical role in supporting the Kenyan horticulture sector and the European floral market.
The Valentine’s peak, spanning the two weeks leading up to February 14, saw unprecedented demand for fresh roses, carnations, and other blooms. Since expanding its Nairobi–Liege flight schedule in late 2025, NAM now operates eight scheduled northbound flights per week. For the 2026 Valentine’s rush, the airline supplemented its regular schedule with additional charter flights, resulting in:
- 16 regular scheduled flights
- 15 additional flights—the highest number ever for NAM during a peak season
- 31 total flights dedicated to Valentine’s Day shipments
Each Boeing 747F aircraft in NAM’s fleet was fully optimised, transporting over 100 tonnes of flowers per flight. In total, the campaign moved 3.1 million kilograms of flowers across 1,300+ pallets, averaging 2.3 tonnes per pallet, reflecting the scale and precision of the operation.
Precision Logistics from Nairobi to Europe
NAM’s NBO Operations team coordinated every aspect of flight rotations on the ground in Kenya, ensuring rapid and efficient loading. Upon arrival at the Liege hub, flowers were processed and dispatched via road networks to wholesalers and florists across Europe and the United Kingdom, guaranteeing peak freshness for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
“We are thrilled to have reached another incredible milestone,” said Sam Lindsey, Commercial and Operations Director at Network Airline Management. “The increase from six to eight weekly scheduled flights last year provided a solid foundation, but adding 15 extra flights for the peak season demonstrates the dedication and coordination of our global teams. We remain committed to supporting Kenya’s horticulture industry now and into the future. These records were achieved alongside our long-standing partners and customers, and we thank them for their continued collaboration.”
Sustained Commitment to Kenyan Horticulture
NAM and the broader Network Aviation Group have been integral to Kenya’s flower industry for over 40 years, providing consistent, high-capacity access to European markets. Following the expansion of its Nairobi–Liege schedule at the end of 2025, NAM now operates eight weekly B747F flights year-round, offering Kenyan growers reliable, high-volume transport solutions and reinforcing the airline’s position as a cornerstone of global flower logistics.
The record-breaking Valentine’s Day operation highlights NAM’s capacity to scale efficiently, ensuring time-sensitive perishables reach international markets without compromise, and positioning the airline as a critical partner in the global floral supply chain.
