China airline boost for salmon exporters

China has once again moved up the ladder as a fast-growing market for Norwegian salmon and other seafood.

Equally important, the Hainan Airlines service will also carry passengers and includes a business class section which is being welcomed by salmon company executives looking to increase trade.

Avinor, the company which runs most of Norway’s commercial airports, said: "This marks an important milestone for the seafood industry, tourism and the connection between Norway and China.”

Hainan Airlines previously operated this route from May to October 2019, but the pandemic put the flights on hold. It will operate with an A.300-330 Airbus (pictured).

The resumption marks an important re-establishment of the connection between the two countries. The route will not only be important for tourism and cultural exchange, but also for the Norwegian seafood industry, as cargo plays a central role on the route.

Ulv Elbirk, Director of Route Development at Avinor, said: “This route will provide a long-awaited connection to China and strengthen Norwegian tourism, business and seafood exports.

“With an increasing demand for connections to China, the route is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between Norway and China.”

Hainan Airlines was established in January 1993 in Hainan Province, China’s largest special economic zone and free trade port. It has operational bases in 22 Chinese cities.