Ostend-Bruges International Airport has been named the Perishables Gateway Partner for the upcoming Flower Logistics Africa (FLA) & Perishable Logistics Africa (PLA) 2026, marking a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing Eastern Africa’s air cargo capacity and improving the efficiency of perishable goods transportation.
According to the organisers, the partnership underscores a shared commitment to boosting cold-chain logistics, supporting export growth, and strengthening Africa’s competitiveness in the global perishables trade.
Ostend-Bruges Airport (OBR), Belgium’s dedicated cargo hub at Europe’s gateway, is a leading airfreight facility specializing in temperature-controlled perishables like flowers, fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals. With state-of-the-art cold-chain infrastructure, including reefer facilities and dedicated perishable handling zones, OBR supports seamless transatlantic and intra-European connections for African exporters, handling over 300,000 tonnes of cargo annually while prioritizing sustainability and rapid turnaround times.
As global demand surges for reliable airfreight in time-sensitive perishables, the role of specialized cargo airports, cold-chain optimization, and multimodal connectivity has become increasingly critical. Ostend-Bruges Airport’s expertise in perishable air cargo, regulatory compliance, and gateway efficiency makes its participation at FLA & PLA 2026 especially relevant as the industry addresses capacity constraints, cost efficiencies, and evolving EU import standards.
FLA & PLA 2026, scheduled for 30 & 31 March 2026 at Emara Ole-Sereni, Nairobi, is Africa’s leading platform dedicated exclusively to flower and perishable logistics. The conference convenes growers, exporters, freight forwarders, airlines, cold-chain operators, ports, infrastructure providers, regulators, and global buyers to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping Africa’s perishables supply chains.
- Ostend-Bruges Airport’s association as an Perishables Gateway Partner strengthens the platform’s focus on: Optimizing air cargo gateways for African fresh produce and flowers
- Cold-chain integrity from farm to Europe’s markets
- Sustainable aviation practices and capacity expansion
- Collaboration between African exporters, airlines, and European hubs
- Enhancing speed, reliability, and compliance in high-value perishable trade
Speaking on the association, an Ostend-Bruges Airport representative shared: “Excited to be attending the Flower & Perishable Event in Nairobi. Looking forward to connecting with industry leaders and exploring new opportunities in the fresh supply chain.”
– Johan Leunen, Cargo Business Development Director Ostend-Bruges Airport
Stay tuned as FLA & PLA 2026 unveils a high-impact agenda featuring expert-led panels, industry-driven discussions, and curated networking opportunities, powered by the leadership and engagement of partners such as Ostend-Bruges Airport. Flower & Perishable Logistics.
Africa (FLA & PLA) is the definitive platform where growers, exporters, logistics providers, airlines, infrastructure developers, and policymakers come together to shape the future of Africa’s perishables supply chains.
