Air New Zealand has been awarded more international cargo flights under the International Air Freight Capacity (IAFC) scheme.
This comes after the New Zealand government announced Phase Two of the IAFC scheme which runs from 1 December 2020 through to 31 March 2021. Air New Zealand will operate approximately 55 international flights per week going forward.
In March 2020, the government set up a COVID-19 support package including an initial NZD$600 million to support aviation.
This included up to NZD$330 million for the IAFC Scheme and NZD$30 million for the Essential Transport Connectivity (ETC) Scheme for aviation initiatives. The Government also allocated an additional NZD$20 million for an ETC non-aviation initiative.
Contracts were awarded under phase 1 of the scheme, restoring capacity to the market. The successful applicants were Air New Zealand, China Airlines, China Southern, Emirates, Freightways Express, Qantas and Tasman Cargo.
Air New Zealand General Manager Cargo, Anna Palairet, said of the IAFC extension: “It’s great to see the extension of the IAFC scheme as it provides much-needed support and stability to New Zealand importers and exporters.
“Our flying schedule remains largely the same and it’s exciting to see new services to Guangzhou and Perth, as well as some enhancements to the ongoing schedule to improve the connectivity for South Island Exporters.
“With the festive season just around the corner, these additional flights will be instrumental in helping New Zealand exporters get their produce on holiday tables around the world. We’ll be sending more than 1,000 tonnes of lamb up to the UK in time for Christmas and more than 3,500 tonnes of stone fruit around the globe with a majority moving into China for the Chinese New Year.”
Since the airline started flying under the IAFC scheme in May, it has operated more than 1100 return flights, carrying over 39,000 tonnes of cargo in and out of New Zealand.
