Air New Zealand General Manager of Cargo, Anne Dunne, says the team takes pride in spreading a little Kiwi cheer around the globe.
“This time of year is all about sharing joy and connection, and we’re proud to play a part in that, delivering the very best of New Zealand to families and celebrations around the world.
Air New Zealand Cargo is gearing up for a busy festive season, transporting nearly 6,000 tonnes of high-value New Zealand produce and speciality shipments between December and January. The airline is delivering cherries, salmon, capsicums, and other premium exports to key international markets, including Asia, Japan, and the United States, supporting holiday celebrations and seasonal demand.
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Top festive exports include approximately 700 tonnes of capsicums, 615 tonnes of cherries, and 470 tonnes of salmon. Time-critical lobster shipments are also being flown to China for New Year banquets, while premium New Zealand beef reaches U.S. tables ahead of Christmas. These operations highlight Air New Zealand Cargo’s expertise in perishable cargo handling, temperature-controlled air freight, and global logistics coordination.
“This time of year is all about sharing joy and connection, and we’re proud to deliver the very best of New Zealand to families and celebrations worldwide,” said the airline’s cargo management team. “Our premium produce exports reflect New Zealand’s reputation for quality and freshness, and it’s a privilege to connect exporters with global markets.”
Beyond perishable goods, the airline also handled unique live-animal shipments. This season, four rescued blue penguins were safely transported from Auckland to Christchurch, en route to the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef. Unable to return to the wild due to injury or illness, the birds will serve as ambassadors for the new West Coast Penguin Encounter.
“Whether it’s cherries for good luck, salmon for a celebration, or a few feathered friends moving to a new home, we’re proud to deliver a little Kiwi magic worldwide,” the cargo team added.
Air New Zealand Cargo’s operations demonstrate the growing importance of air freight for perishable and high-value goods, including fresh produce and specialty items. The airline’s temperature-controlled cargo solutions, meticulous scheduling, and monitoring processes ensure products arrive in peak condition, even during peak festive periods.
With nearly 6,000 tonnes of festive freight moving across the Pacific and Asia, Air New Zealand Cargo reinforces its role as a key player in international air cargo, connecting New Zealand’s exporters with markets around the world. From fresh food to feathered passengers, the airline proves it can deliver both precision and holiday cheer this season.
