Increased freight opportunities for our regional produce

Flag carrier of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has just announced it is doubling weekly freights out of Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.

This new flight capacity comes under the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) which is the Australian Government’s contribution to help restore critical global supply chains which have been heavily impacted by COVID-19.

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport currently exports approximately 80 tonne of freight on a weekly basis on the existing service, and there has been capacity to support more frequent services for some time. This new service will take total capability to over 120 tonne per week.

While the current health situation has created continual challenges for exporters, there has been opportunity to adapt to the rapidly changing world of exports.

TSBE Food Leaders Australia General Manager, Bruce McConnel, said this increase of Cathay Pacific services comes at an absolutely vital time for our regional exporters after supply chain disruptions during COVID-19.

“Our regions exporters are struggling right now to get capacity to continue to deliver our high-quality regional food into international markets,” said Mr McConnel.

“We have moved from significant capacity on underbelly planes, to very little freight capacity which has caused problems for our regions exporters.”
“This long-term commitment from Cathay Pacific to our region is not only a sign of confidence in our region, but also gives our exporters a chance above others to get our regional product to the world.”

This enables Toowoomba and surrounding exporters to have more access to international markets through Hong Kong and then to the world, more than nearly any other major food producing region in Australia.

“This is a major coup for Toowoomba and shows a continued growth for Toowoomba being Australia’s key inland port.”

The new service will commence on June 14, and will continue every Sunday.

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport understands there is a demand in the region and is excited to see the development of extra services for exporters.

Visit www.tsbe.com.au to keep up to date.