Maastricht Aachen Airport partners with Flowerwatch to drive perishable cargo handling efficiency

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) has partnered with FlowerWatch, an accreditation consultancy specializing in flower supply chain key performance indicators (KPIs) and data monitoring, to improve the quality and lifespan of sensitive cargo passing through the Dutch cargo hub.

The collaboration will enhance the integrity and shelf life of perishable goods by addressing the critical challenge of temperature fluctuations in cargo transportation.

"We know that temperature inconsistencies can drive up to 20 per cent waste in flower freight," said Dean Boljuncic, Head of Commercial Development at Maastricht Aachen Airport.

"By making these fluctuations transparent and actionable, we can drastically reduce losses, increase profitability for our customers, and ensure flowers arrive fresher and last longer for the end consumer."

Through FlowerWatch's monitoring tools and data loggers, MST will gain precise insights into environmental conditions, enabling real-time adjustments.

The data will also enable the optimization of handling processes to minimize waste and maintain product excellence throughout the supply chain, from pickup in Africa through to the end consumer in Europe.

"This partnership with FlowerWatch is a game-changer for our perishable cargo operations – optimizing handling processes is central to our strategy, and this innovative step reinforces our competitive edge, ensuring MST remains the preferred gateway for high-value, sensitive cargo, now and into the future."

As the Netherlands' second-largest cargo airport and the only one with capacity for new routes, MST is committed to attracting leading airlines through excellent service and quality assurance.

MST's strategic location, with direct motorway access and minimal waiting times, already facilitates rapid cargo transport, with perishable goods such as fruit, vegetables, and flowers able to leave the airport within two hours of landing.

The integration of FlowerWatch's technology further enhances this efficiency, ensuring cargo quality is safeguarded.

With no slot restrictions and a strong focus on growth, this partnership builds on MST's recent successes, including new flights from Turkish Cargo and a new partnership with ECS Livestock to ship horses through the Netherlands' second-largest airport.