The Associated Press
April 2, 2009

LOS ANGELES— There's a really cool reception for flower arrivals at Los Angeles International Airport.

Mercury Air Cargo has built a $1.1 million, 12,700-square-foot cold storage unit at the airport to handle flower shipments directly from South America rather than arriving in Miami first for shipment by truck to Southern California.

Tulips, carnations, astromelias and roses have been arriving at LAX since March. Mercury spokesman David Herbst says six Boeing 767s full of flowers have arrived at Los Angeles International Airport.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was on hand for a Thursday celebration announcing the giant refrigerator.