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Air New Zealand Cargo prepares for a busy Christmas season, planning to transport around 6,000 tons of freight from New Zealand. The airline’s cargo department relies on close cooperation with New Zealand exporters to deliver products from Aotearoa to the world. Among the most sought-after goods are cherries destined for New Year celebrations in Asia, salmon for sashimi in Tokyo, and bell peppers used in various Christmas dishes.
Key Export Goods and Their Significance
Anne Dunne, General Manager of Air New Zealand Cargo, emphasizes the importance of this season for international exchange. „This time of year is all about joy and connection, and we are proud to contribute by bringing the best of New Zealand to families and celebrations around the world,“ explains Dunne. She highlights that New Zealand is known for its high-quality fresh products and it is an honor to connect exporters with international markets.
The three main products in this festive season are bell peppers at about 700 tons, followed by cherries at around 615 tons and salmon at 470 tons. These goods bring a touch of New Zealand summer to tables worldwide. The lobster shipments are particularly carefully planned, as they must arrive fresh for festive banquets and New Year celebrations in China due to their time-sensitive nature.
Additionally, Air New Zealand Cargo exports high-quality beef cuts to the United States at the beginning of the season, where they end up on Christmas tables in the Pacific. These exports illustrate the precision and timing behind Air New Zealand Cargo’s operations to ensure that perishable products arrive in perfect condition.
A special event for the cargo team was the transport of four little blue penguins from Auckland to Christchurch. These birds, unable to return to the wild due to injuries or illnesses, received a second chance as ambassadors for the new West Coast Penguin Encounter, which opened in November.
„Whether it’s cherries for luck, salmon for celebrations, or a few feathered friends on their way to a new home, we are proud to bring a bit of New Zealand magic to the world,“ says Dunne. This Christmas season, Air New Zealand Cargo demonstrates that it plays a significant role in festive transport in the air as well.
