Air New Zealand has announced a new cargo route to Guangzhou, China. Flight NZ1082 took off from Christchurch bound for Guangzhou on 3 February, which marked the first time the airline deployed a cargo flight on the said route.

Air New Zealand operated three return services to Guangzhou last week ahead of the Chinese New Year peak and will continue with two multistop services starting this week.

The airline will operate its Boeing 787-9 fleet for its scheduled cargo service to pick up goods in Auckland and Christchurch before flying to Guangzhou.

“By offering a stop in Christchurch this will help more businesses get their cargo to China and ensure our partners in Guangzhou get the freshest, high-quality products New Zealand has to offer,” said Air New Zealand General Manager Cargo Anna Palaire.

Cargo flights to Guangzhou will carry local export goods, including seafood and milk powder, whilst return flights to New Zealand will carry PPE, electronics and other general cargo, the airline said.