Air New Zealand to move 5mn kgs cargo through Dec-Jan

Air New Zealand Cargo is helping Kiwi exporters deliver the best of New Zealand produce to the world this holiday season.

The airline is set to move a huge 5,000,000 kgs of cargo through December and January, with a large proportion of that set to end up on Christmas dinner tables around the globe, says an official release.

"We have an exceptional fresh produce market in Aotearoa, and it's a privilege to connect their high-quality products with global markets, especially at this time of year," says Anne Dunne, General Manager, Cargo, Air New Zealand. "We love playing a part in helping deliver some of New Zealand's finest exports to the world, including New Zealand's much-loved premium lamb and cherries. We like to think of ourselves as Santa's little helpers, with a cargo hold full of seasonal goodies.

"Exports play such an important role in New Zealand's economy, driving growth and supporting local communities, which is why we work hard to partner with those exporters who have sought after commodities in international markets."

Cherries are especially popular in Asia during the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, a time when they're considered a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and family unity, the release added.

"With 80 percent of New Zealand's cherry crop exported during this period, we want to make sure no cherry is left behind," says Dunne.

The airline will support exporters from across Aotearoa to move up to one million kilograms of cherries to key export markets like Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan as well as smaller shipments to North America. Through partnerships with other airlines, New Zealand's sought after cherries also make their way to Vietnam, the release added.

Air New Zealand Cargo also works with farmers to help deliver New Zealand's renowned grass-fed meat to key export markets just in time for Christmas, the release added. "Much of the exports have already made their way to markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Zurich. In November alone, we've transported around 120,000kgs of lamb and beef, ensuring it can make its way to Christmas dinner plates in December," says Dunne.

Seafood, especially salmon, tuna and shellfish, is also a hot commodity this Christmas with 1.3 billion kgs heading across the Tasman to Australia annually, the release added.