Network Airline Management (NAM) has reached new heights this year, transporting a staggering 3,100 tons of freshly cut flowers from Nairobi, Kenya, to Liege, Belgium. To meet the unprecedented demand of the 2026 “Valentine’s Rush,” our teams managed its largest-ever operation to date.
A Record-Breaking “Flower Rush”
The peak period, spanning the two weeks or so leading up to Valentine’s Day, saw a massive surge in demand. Since the expansion of the flight schedule in late 2025, NAM now operates 8 scheduled northbound flights per week from Nairobi, NBO to Liege, LGG. For the 2026 Valentine’s rush, this meant:
· 16 regular scheduled flights
· 15 additional flights (our highest number ever!)
· 31 total flights dedicated to the Valentine’s rush.
Each flight with our fleet of Boeing 747F aircraft was pushed to its maximum potential, carrying 100+ tons of roses and carnations per trip.
In total, the operation moved 3100 tons or 3.1 million kilograms of flowers across 1,300+ pallets, with an average weight of over 2.3 tons of flowers per pallet.
With the NAS NBO Operations team overseeing every flight rotation on the ground in Kenya, the flowers are loaded and flown to NAM’s Liege hub with experienced efficiency.
Upon arrival, the flowers are quickly processed then transferred via road networks to wholesalers and florists across Europe and the United Kingdom, ensuring the blooms arrive fresh for the big day!
Sam Lindsey, Network Airline Management’s Commercial and Operations Director, said: “We are thrilled to have reached another incredible milestone.
“The increase from 6 to 8 weekly scheduled flights last year boosted the foundations of our regular schedule, but operating an additional 15 flights specifically for this peak season is a testament to the hard work of our global teams.
“We remain deeply committed to supporting the Kenyan horticulture industry now and in the future. We appreciate our long-standing partners and customers for continuing to collaborate with us, we have set these new records with you by our side!”