New Zealand cherry growers are hoping to put a couple of tough years behind them as they eye a more positive growing and export season. The past two years had been challenging for various reasons, including a struggle for staff - with the borders closed – weather conditions, and limited export demand as lockdowns took a toll.
Exports sometimes encountered no market. China saw heavy Covid lockdowns. China Airlines has scheduled eight dedicated B777F freight aircraft between Taipei and Christchurch during January to take the prized exports into Asian markets.
The services will transport 800,000 kilograms of high-value exports, including live lobsters, live oysters, chilled salmon and fresh cherries out of Christchurch, with general cargo filling the inbound flights.
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson said Air New Zealand was also operating five 787 passenger aircraft out of Christchurch as freight-only flights to the United States and Asian markets each week until the end of March.
Source: stuff.co.nz