Air New Zealand has been awarded more international cargo flights under a government scheme.

The airline will operate around 30 flights per week to 13 destinations including Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as maintaining air connectivity with key Pacific ports.

The New Zealand government’s ‘Maintaining International Air Connectivity’ (MIAC) scheme was recently extended until October.

Air New Zealand’s general manager cargo Anna Palairet commented: “MIAC is helping our import and export community maintain essential trade with key international markets during an extended period of disruption and we’re really proud to be part of making that happen. Operating these services also allows us to bring Kiwis home where other commercial services haven’t been able to operate.

“With the Tasman and Rarotonga bubbles now in operation, services to Australia and the Cook Islands are currently not included in the scheme. However, we’re fortunate the scheme provides a mechanism to support the movement of freight to these markets if those bubbles burst to ensure a stable supply chain.”