Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) has formed a strategic partnership with FlowerWatch to tackle temperature fluctuations in flower freight, aiming to improve cargo quality, reduce waste, and enhance the shelf life of perishable goods.

FlowerWatch, a consultancy specialising in monitoring and optimising flower supply chains, will support MST in deploying data loggers and digital tools to monitor temperature and environmental conditions in real time. The collaboration promises greater visibility over cold chain integrity, allowing handlers to act swiftly when conditions deviate from optimal ranges.

“We know that temperature inconsistencies can drive up to 20% 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.”

The new system will enable MST to optimise its handling processes from origin to destination, including high-volume flower shipments from Africa to European markets. The data insights generated through FlowerWatch’s technology are expected to directly support quality assurance and customer satisfaction while contributing to sustainability targets by reducing waste.

Boljuncic added: “This partnership with FlowerWatch is a game-changer for our perishable cargo operations – optimising 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, MST has carved out a niche as a hub for fast and efficient perishables handling. Its infrastructure enables perishable cargo such as fruit, vegetables, and flowers to exit the airport within two hours of landing – a key advantage bolstered by its direct motorway access and minimal congestion.

The FlowerWatch partnership adds a layer of digital intelligence to this logistical efficiency, with temperature and handling KPIs now set to play a greater role in operational decision-making. The move reflects MST’s ambition to attract more airline partners by offering service levels that protect time- and temperature-sensitive cargo throughout its journey.

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