Fermac Cargo España and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo are collaborating in a new freighter route departing from the city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast headed for Madrid, Spain. The first cargo plane landed on Tuesday, April 19 of 2016. It transported approximately 90,000 kilos of one of the most popular mango varieties in Europe, the Kent variety. At least 8 flights have already been confirmed by the prestigious airline.
The launch of flights operated by 777300 freighters serves to meet the growing demand for this tropical fruit in Europe and Fermac Cargo is providing services to Air France KLM Martinair Cargo for these cargo flights, such as:
- Inspection of mango with government agencies: Agriculture, Health and Trade;
- Customs Clearance;
- Air transport management from Abidjan to Madrid (in collaboration with the agent in Costa de Marfil Logistics SA).
This logistical decision of Air France KLM Martinair Cargo shows the strategic importance of Madrid Barajas Airport as a key entry point to Europe for the food supply. In turn, Fermac Cargo secures its position as a logistics operator in the major producing countries in Africa.
The export of mango occupies an important place in the economic development of the northern region of the country, making it the third most exported fruit after pineapple and banana. Together, these three crops contribute to 4% of gross domestic product (GDP) and nearly 10% of agricultural GDP of Ivory Coast.
During the 2014 campaign, Africa exported a value of 152 million dollars in mangoes, of which Ivory Coast reached a value of around 41 million dollars for their exports.
These operations from Africa are part of the beginning of a growth trend from the Madrid Airport in the number of cargo flights, as the largest volume is operated in passenger flights due to the predominantly touristic character of Spain.