Kalitta and Cargo Choice hope new Ecuador flights will bloom

Kalitta Air has launched new freighter flights from Ecuador to the US in partnership with GSA Choice Cargo as they look to meet demand for flower transport.

The flights operate between Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and Miami International twice per week, utilising B747-400 freighters.

“Choice Cargo is pleased to announce that we have started operations at Mariscal Sucre Airport in the city of Quito with two cargo charter flights with B747 aircraft in the Quito-Miami route, to provide greater capacity to the market,” said Diego Íñiguez, chief executive of Choice Cargo.

He added the flights are in response to growing import and export volumes.

“Kalitta made the decision to operate in Ecuador due to the growth of the market towards the US and the different destinations in Europe, Asia and Oceania,” Choice Cargo said.

“The quality of the Ecuadorian flower is highly appreciated in the international market, which is why there is a need to have more capacity in terms of flights in order to contribute to the growth of exports.”

Ramón Miró, president and chief executive of airport operator Corporación Quiport, said: “The start of operations of Choice Cargo in the Ecuadorian market represents a very important advance in terms of the offers of space to export cargo leaving Quito.

“The flower sector, our main user, has registered a significant increase in terms of its production and its ability to place Ecuadorian flowers on international markets, and this cargo operation will help us meet the needs of exporters.”

He said the start of the service would provide time for the airline to establish operations before for the high season of Valentine’s Day 2023, which will start in mid-January next year.

Kalitta operates 24 B747-400Fs, which means that, during the high export seasons in Quito, it can have additional flights depending on demand, Choice Cargo added.