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Air New Zealand expands air cargo network to meet exporters' demand
来源：Shipping News Headlines 编辑：编辑部 发布：2021/03/15 11:38:55
AIR New Zealand in the last few months has open new cargo connections as it looks to meet demand from the country's exporters.
Alex Larsen, head of global sales at the Auckland-headquartered airline, said that the carrier recently expanded its network with twice-weekly services to Guangzhou, operating on Auckland-Christchurch-Guangzhou-Auckland loop.
Services also now operate between Christchurch and Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Melbourne, London's Air Cargo News reported.
"Connecting our South Island exporters directly with their international markets out of Christchurch was a key enhancement of our cargo network over the last three months," Mr Larsen said.
"We're expecting demand will remain somewhat consistent across the course of 2021 if travel restrictions remain in place as they currently are.
"As travel-bubbles begin to selectively open, we're expecting things to change and as additional capacity returns to the market, as a result of increases in passenger demand, we may see cargo demand pick up as more 'traditional' operating conditions return."
Mr Larsen said that exports from New Zealand to North America remain strong, particularly into retail channels in the US where demand for chilled meat and seafood has increased.
"We're seeing that when restrictions are imposed on dining in restaurants, people are looking to enjoy quality food and beverage in their own homes instead," he said.
"The 'stay-cation' at home turns into enjoying some premium New Zealand king salmon and a Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
"Over the Christmas and New Year period, imports were particularly strong from Asia and Australia, with demand bolstered by a disrupted ocean sailing schedule and port delays."
However, Larsen added that "we are not out of the woods yet" and said that curveballs will continue to hit the industry.
Looking back on last year, Larsen said that early on in the crisis, Air New Zealand scaled back to just 12 international flights per as a result of the border closures.
However, the cargo division quickly pivoted to a cargo-only charter model and conducted its first charter flight at the end of March.
On May 8, Air New Zealand commenced scheduled services under the International Airfreight Capacity scheme, administered by the New Zealand Ministry of Transport.
The main objective of the scheme is to maintain capacity for critical imports (such as medical supplies) and high value exports.
"The last 12 months has presented plenty of challenges and opportunities, and we'll continue to review our plans in light of the changing landscape."
Alex Larsen, head of global sales at the Auckland-headquartered airline, said that the carrier recently expanded its network with twice-weekly services to Guangzhou, operating on Auckland-Christchurch-Guangzhou-Auckland loop.
Services also now operate between Christchurch and Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Melbourne, London's Air Cargo News reported.
"Connecting our South Island exporters directly with their international markets out of Christchurch was a key enhancement of our cargo network over the last three months," Mr Larsen said.
"We're expecting demand will remain somewhat consistent across the course of 2021 if travel restrictions remain in place as they currently are.
"As travel-bubbles begin to selectively open, we're expecting things to change and as additional capacity returns to the market, as a result of increases in passenger demand, we may see cargo demand pick up as more 'traditional' operating conditions return."
Mr Larsen said that exports from New Zealand to North America remain strong, particularly into retail channels in the US where demand for chilled meat and seafood has increased.
"We're seeing that when restrictions are imposed on dining in restaurants, people are looking to enjoy quality food and beverage in their own homes instead," he said.
"The 'stay-cation' at home turns into enjoying some premium New Zealand king salmon and a Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
"Over the Christmas and New Year period, imports were particularly strong from Asia and Australia, with demand bolstered by a disrupted ocean sailing schedule and port delays."
However, Larsen added that "we are not out of the woods yet" and said that curveballs will continue to hit the industry.
Looking back on last year, Larsen said that early on in the crisis, Air New Zealand scaled back to just 12 international flights per as a result of the border closures.
However, the cargo division quickly pivoted to a cargo-only charter model and conducted its first charter flight at the end of March.
On May 8, Air New Zealand commenced scheduled services under the International Airfreight Capacity scheme, administered by the New Zealand Ministry of Transport.
The main objective of the scheme is to maintain capacity for critical imports (such as medical supplies) and high value exports.
"The last 12 months has presented plenty of challenges and opportunities, and we'll continue to review our plans in light of the changing landscape."