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Air New Zealand Cargo is gearing up for one of its busiest periods of the year, working with exporters to deliver nearly 6000 tonnes of freight from New Zealand across December and January. The seasonal uplift includes cherries for Asia’s New Year celebrations, salmon destined for sashimi in Tokyo and capsicums bound for Christmas tables worldwide.
Air New Zealand general manager cargo Anne Dunne says the team takes pride in helping share Kiwi products with the world.
“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,” Anne says.
“New Zealand has an incredible reputation for premium fresh produce, and it’s a privilege to connect our exporters with markets around the world.”
Capsicums are the airline’s largest festive-season export this year at around 700 tonnes, followed by approximately 615 tonnes of cherries and about 470 tonnes of salmon. Lobster shipments peak closer to Christmas, with time-sensitive deliveries scheduled to arrive fresh for festive banquets and New Year celebrations in China.
Premium cuts of New Zealand beef are also exported earlier in the season to the United States for the holiday period. These exports highlight the precision timing behind Air New Zealand Cargo’s operations, ensuring highly perishable products arrive in optimal condition.
Among the year’s noteworthy moments for the cargo team was the transport of four little blue penguins from Auckland to Christchurch en route to their new home at the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef. The rescued birds, unable to return to the wild due to injury or illness, are now ambassadors for the new West Coast Penguin Encounter, which opened in November.
“Whether it’s cherries for good luck, salmon for a celebration, or a few feathered friends hitching a ride to a new home, we’re proud to deliver a little Kiwi magic to the world,” Anne says.
