Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands has teamed up with supply chain monitoring firm FlowerWatch to enhance the handling and quality of perishable cargo, particularly temperature-sensitive products like flowers.
The initiative targets the reduction of temperature fluctuations during transport, which can cause up to 20% product loss in flower shipments. FlowerWatch will provide accreditation and real-time data tracking tools to monitor and improve supply chain conditions. These insights will enable MST staff to make timely adjustments, enhancing efficiency from the point of origin often in Africa through to European destinations.
Extending shelf life
The collaboration is expected to extend shelf life, reduce waste, and boost profitability for customers. Dean Boljuncic, MST’s Head of Commercial Development, highlighted that making temperature changes transparent and manageable is crucial to maintaining cargo freshness and improving customer outcomes.
With no slot restrictions and direct motorway access, MST already offers quick cargo turnaround within two hours of landing. The FlowerWatch partnership builds on MST’s recent expansions, including new Turkish Cargo flights and a deal with ECS Livestock for horse transport, further strengthening its role as a hub for high-value, sensitive freight.