Qantas Freight unveils new NZ service

Qantas said yesterday that a B767-200 freighter would be wet-leased from global carrier Air Transport International and would operate Sydney- Auckland-Christchurch-Sydney overnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays under flight numbers QF7523 and QF7524.

The operation would enable Qantas to retain wide body freight capacity on the route following the introduction of the new trans-Tasman passenger schedule, Qantas Freight executive manager Stephen Cleary said.

“The Tasman is one of Qantas Freight’s most important markets and the investment we have made in this new operation reflects the value of our long standing relationships in both countries,” Mr Cleary said.

“This is a great solution for customers as it allows us to maintain wide body services and capacity to meet market demand. 

“The trans-Tasman market, particularly express consolidators and perishable exporters, relies on wide body airfreight services.

“For customers in NZ, the service will allow easy through-connection with our extensive passenger and freighter fleet into Europe, the US and Asia, including mainland China and Japan.

“For the first time, customers in Christchurch will also have access to main deck freighter capacity.”

“The aircraft will have a payload of approximately 42 tonnes and will also be made available for charter work and weekend rotations when demand exists."