Kenya’s floriculture industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing $1.75 billion to the GDP and exporting over 200,000 tonnes of cut flowers annually, according to the Kenya Flower Council. However, limited air freight capacity continues to challenge exporters, particularly during peak seasons. In response, Network Airline Management (NAM) is enhancing its operations along the Nairobi–Liège flower corridor to facilitate seamless exports to European markets.
Addressing Kenya’s Air Freight Challenges
As one of the world’s top flower exporters, Kenya heavily depends on air freight to transport perishable goods efficiently. Despite this, exporters often face logistical hurdles due to limited outbound cargo capacity.
According to Frédéric Brun, Head of Commercial Cargo & Logistics at Liège Airport,
“The shortage of outbound air freight capacity in Nairobi poses a significant risk to Kenya’s horticultural sector. Growers and exporters face losses due to spoilage, which in turn impacts the country’s foreign exchange earnings and economic growth.”
The situation has been further fuelled by factors such as seasonal peaks in demand and disruptions caused by global trade challenges, including the Red Sea crisis.
Jonathan Clark, CEO of Network Aviation Group, noted that a comprehensive approach is necessary to resolve these issues, involving better logistics management, government intervention, and improvements in cargo handling facilities at key airports.
NAM’s Commitment to Expanding Capacity
To address these challenges, NAM has committed to operating daily flights; seven times a week, between Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Liège, Belgium. These flights are loaded to full capacity with fresh Kenyan produce, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring timely delivery to European markets.
Peak seasons like the most recent Valentine’s Day underscore the urgency of these capacity expansions, with demand for cut flowers surging significantly. During this peak period, air freight capacity becomes even more constrained, leading to higher costs and potential shipment delays. To mitigate this, NAM has strengthened partnerships with exporters and logistics providers to optimize routes and secure additional cargo space.
“In an underserved air cargo market like Kenya, exporters require reliability, competitive pricing, and efficient handling,” Brun stated. NAM has responded by refining its scheduling and flight routing to avoid congestion and improve cost efficiency. “By carefully planning our operations, we ensure that fresh flowers reach their destination promptly,” Clark added.
Future Expansion Plans
To further enhance export capabilities, NAM is set to introduce additional flights to accommodate increasing demand. In early 2025, the company added nine more flights to its Nairobi–Liège route, ensuring flexibility and reliability for flower exporters. NAM is also considering expanding its fleet with larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 777, which would increase cargo capacity while serving a broader range of markets, including Asia. Meanwhile, its Boeing 747 fleet will continue serving African markets.
Strategic partnerships remain at the heart of NAM’s approach, ensuring seamless logistics from cargo handling to customs clearance. By maintaining close collaboration with freight forwarders and shippers, NAM helps exporters navigate logistical challenges and adapt to shifting market conditions. Through real-time data analysis and proactive planning, the company aims to enhance efficiency, particularly during peak shipping periods.
Strengthening the Nairobi–Liège Trade Corridor
NAM’s ongoing investments in air freight infrastructure reinforce the Nairobi–Liège flower trade corridor as a vital link between Kenyan exporters and European consumers. By increasing flight frequency, optimizing logistics, and modernizing its fleet, NAM is solidifying its role in supporting Kenya’s floriculture sector. “Our goal is to ensure that Kenyan flowers reach their destination fresh and on time, strengthening the country’s position in the global flower trade,” Clark affirmed.