China Airlines has scheduled eight dedicated B777F freight aircraft between Taipei and Christchurch during January. The services will transport 800 tons of high value exports, including fresh cherries, out of Christchurch, with general cargo filling the inbound flights.
The cherry season alone is expected to produce five million kilograms of fruit this season and the direct scheduled air freight flights will get them to Asian markets quickly, still at their best and able to command highest prices.
An air cargo spokesperson says exporters were concerned the reduced number of widebody aircraft around the world at the moment might impact deliveries of the NZ-grown orders, but says the China Airlines service has answered the call.
Source: christchurchairport.co.nz