Air New Zealand Cargo expects to carry nearly 6,000 tonnes of freight during December and January, delivering premium produce and festive goods worldwide. The airline's cargo team is working with Kiwi exporters to bring cherries, salmon and capsicums to holiday tables, reports Singapore's Payload Asia.

Cargo chief Anne Dunne said the team takes pride in spreading Kiwi cheer globally, connecting exporters with markets and ensuring fresh produce reaches families and celebrations.

The top three export items this season are capsicums at about 700 tonnes, cherries at 615 tonnes and salmon at 470 tonnes. Lobster shipments are also timed to arrive fresh for banquets and New Year celebrations in China.

Earlier in the season, premium cuts of New Zealand beef were shipped to the United States for Christmas tables. The airline highlighted the precision and timing of its operations in handling perishable goods.

Among the year's highlights was the transport of four rescued little blue penguins from Auckland to Christchurch. The birds, unable to return to the wild, were relocated to the West Coast Wildlife Centre as ambassadors for its new Penguin Encounter.

Ms Dunne said whether delivering cherries, salmon or penguins, the cargo team is proud to bring a touch of Kiwi magic to the world.