Air New Zealand Cargo is preparing for a busy holiday season, forecasting the movement of 5 million kilograms of cargo across December and January. The airline is set to support Kiwi exporters by transporting a wide variety of goods, including cherries, meat, and seafood, to international markets.
Anne Dunne, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Cargo, highlighted the vibrant fresh produce market in the country. “We’re proud to play a part in delivering New Zealand’s finest exports to the world, including premium lamb and cherries,” she said. “We like to think of ourselves as Santa’s little helpers, with a cargo hold full of seasonal goodies!”
Exports are a crucial pillar of New Zealand’s economy, driving growth and supporting local communities. Dunne emphasized the airline’s commitment to working with exporters of sought-after commodities that have strong demand in global markets. Cherries, in particular, are a key export during the lead-up to Chinese New Year, when they are seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity.
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“With 80% of New Zealand’s cherry crop being exported during this period, we make sure no cherry is left behind,” Dunne said. Air New Zealand Cargo is expected to transport up to 1 million kilograms of cherries to key markets such as Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan, with additional shipments to North America and Vietnam through airline partnerships.
In addition to cherries, the airline plays a vital role in delivering New Zealand’s famous grass-fed meat to international markets for the holiday season. Dunne noted that many of these exports have already reached destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Zurich. “In November alone, we moved around 120,000 kilograms of lamb and beef to ensure it made it to Christmas dinner tables,” she added.
Seafood is also in high demand, with 1.3 billion kilograms of seafood exported annually to Australia alone. Popular items such as salmon, tuna, and shellfish are particularly sought after during the Christmas period.
“Whether it’s lamb for a roast, cherries for a celebration, or seafood for a summer feast, it’s a privilege to partner with Kiwi exporters to connect New Zealand and the products it produces to the world,” Dunne concluded.
