CATHAY Pacific Cargo has launched a seasonal air cargo service to export mangoes from the Northern Territory.
The airline said it will operate one flight out of Darwin each week for five weeks on a Boeing 777 aircraft.
Cathay Pacific Cargo expects its Mango Express Service to deliver 285 tonnes of mangoes to South Korea, Hong Kong and Dubai over the coming month.
The first flight was scheduled to depart on Friday evening (4 November).
Nigel Chynoweth, Cathay Pacific regional head of cargo, said consumers across the globe love Australian mangoes.
“We are proud to support Northern Territory growers in getting Australian produce into key international markets and continue boosting exports,” he said.
Cathay Pacific Cargo partnered with Seaway Logistics to deliver the seasonal service.
Robert Hall, Seaway Logistics’ general manager NT, said the company’s airside operation in Darwin would guarantee the delivery of fresh Australian produce to destinations worldwide.
“We are pleased to partner with Cathay Pacific Cargo to facilitate market growth and support local Australian shippers in the NT region,” he said.
The Northern Territory is expected to produce a haul of nearly 4.8 million trays of mangoes this season.
Paul Kirby, minister for agribusiness and fisheries, said he mango industry is worth $128 million to the Northern Territory economy.
The Northern Territory’s crop represents just over half of Australia’s total mango harvest, a portion of which will be picked to be exported to the Asian and American markets.
“This year’s bumper mango crop is a good result for growers in the Darwin and Katherine regions and has capitalised on the good growing conditions during the dry season,” Mr Kirby said.
Cathay Pacific Cargo said new technology from Pak Fresh Handling will ensure mangoes are picked, packed, and delivered to the highest industry standards.
