Go mango go, AF-KLM and Fermac launch a fruit freighter airlift
21 / 04 / 2017
Fermac Cargo España and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo have started the great mango airlift out of Africa to Europe.
The first Boeing 777-300 freighter has already transported 105 tons of Kent variety mango from the city of Abidjan in the Ivory Coast to Madrid, Spain.
It is the second year running that the fruit logistics specialist has teamed with the European cargo carrier.
A spokesperson for Fermac said: “Without confirming the frequencies planned for this season, depending on the volume of the campaign, it is estimated that at least eight flights will be made.
“The implementation of the flights serves to meet the growing demand for this tropical fruit in Europe. In addition, these freighters increase the supply of the winery from the Ivory Coast to Europe, which enhances exports and the development of this region.”
With an annual production of around 100 thousand tons, in 2016 the Ivory Coast exported 32,628 tons of mangoes, an increase of 43.3% compared to the previous year.
As a result, mangos have become the third most exported fruit in the country, behind pineapples and bananas.
