Air Cargo Global launches Oslo seafood freighter

Slovakian all-cargo carrier Air Cargo Global has launched a B747F service between Oslo Airport and Tianjin Binhai International to cater for seafood demand.
The service will operate twice weekly, departing from Avinor operated Oslo Airport on Thursdays and Saturdays at 7.15am, but the airline hopes to eventually add extra flights.
"We aim to step up to three weekly departures from March, if the market responds well to the increased capacity,” said Peter Scholten, chief commercial officer of Air Cargo Global.
“We have reached an agreement with Fish Forever, a major Chinese trading company that specialises in fish.
"They contacted us wanting to look into the possibility of importing fresh Norwegian seafood directly to China, because demand for high quality fresh fish is on the increase in the Chinese market.
“At the same we have had a good partnership with Avinor who has helped us to make this happen. We really appreciate it. We’re looking forward to starting this route, which we believe will be a success.
“Previously, most of the air freight was from Asia to Europe. However, thanks to Norwegian seafood, among other things, there is a more even balance of freight going in both directions.
"From a business point of view this is of course a positive development."
The airport is currently in the process of developing a new seafood centre to cater for rising demand for Norwegian seafood.
Over recent years it has seen a spate of freighter operators launch services to the airport. Most recently, Ethiopian Cargo added a service to the airport.
“It is very pleasing that Air Cargo Global is now able to offer direct freight capacity to China, a market that has an ever-increasing need for a supply of fresh Norwegian seafood,” said Martin Langaas, director of cargo at Avinor.
"With this route we contribute to Norwegian exporters getting their products quickly and efficiently onto the market, so that the seafood is served as fresh as possible. This is important for the seafood industry, and will contribute to value creation in Norway."
Air Cargo Global operates a fleet of three Boeing 747-400F.
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