New cargo route will carry 200 tonnes of Norwegian salmon to Shanghai every week

The new route will be operated using the Boeing 777F, one of the world's largest dedicated freighter aircraft. With approximately 100 tonnes of capacity per departure, the service will be able to transport large volumes of goods directly between Norway and China every week. 

For Norway's export industries, the main benefit is increased capacity for fresh seafood, where short transit times are critical for maintaining quality and freshness. 

– This is a significant development in a major market for Norwegian seafood. With around 100 tonnes of capacity per departure, Norwegian exporters gain more opportunities to send products directly from Norway to global markets. For fresh seafood, where every hour matters, direct air freight is extremely valuable, says Eva Beate Lande, Head of Cargo at Avinor. 

– This is China Southern Airlines' first route to Oslo and represents a key strategic step for China Southern Air Logistics in enhancing its European air logistics network and strengthening its presence in the Nordic market. During the initial stage of operations, it is expected to transport 200 tonnes of Norwegian salmon to China each week, establishing a regular international air freight corridor for fresh produce and injecting new momentum into economic and trade exchanges between China and Norway, says Bryan Wu, Cargo Manager at China Southern Airlines. 

China an increasingly important market for Norwegian seafood 

China has become an increasingly important market for Norwegian seafood. According to the Norwegian Seafood Council, Norway exported 178,000 tonnes of seafood to China in 2025, with a total value of NOK 12.3 billion. This made China Norway's third-largest seafood market, up from sixth place the year before. Salmon remains by far the largest product category in Norwegian seafood exports to China. 

The new China Southern service will be the second dedicated cargo route between Oslo Airport and Shanghai. In total, five cargo routes will connect Oslo Airport directly with destinations in China, with up to 13 weekly departures. 

– The fact that more and more airlines are establishing direct cargo routes between Oslo and China demonstrates the strong demand for capacity in this market. For Norway, it is particularly important to get fresh seafood to customers quickly, while the routes also provide valuable capacity for goods travelling in the opposite direction, says Lande. 

– China is one of the most important growth markets for Norwegian seafood, and we see significant potential for further market development. Whenever new logistics and transport solutions are introduced, it is important for us to test them and assess how they can contribute to more efficient and competitive deliveries. The new China Southern route provides valuable capacity for the seafood industry, and we look forward to exploring the opportunities it creates, says Lars Tømte, Air Freight Manager at Mowi. 

In addition, Hainan Airlines operates passenger flights between Oslo and Beijing during the summer season. Passenger aircraft also have capacity to carry cargo in their holds, contributing to the overall freight capacity between Norway and China. 

Important in both directions 

The aircraft will not only carry Norwegian goods eastbound. The direct connection also opens up more efficient transportation of goods from China and the rest of Asia to Norway and the Nordic region, including e-commerce shipments, high-value products, and other time-sensitive cargo. 

Good capacity utilization in both directions is essential to building viable freight routes over time. 

– A successful cargo route depends on aircraft being well utilized in both directions. Norway has substantial export needs, while Asia generates significant import flows into Norway and the wider Nordic region. That makes this an interesting route for businesses on both sides, says Lande. 

Oslo Seafood & Cargo Center (OSCC) will handle cargo operations for Air China Cargo at Oslo Airport. 

Strengthening Oslo Airport as a cargo hub 

Avinor is working to develop Oslo Airport to accommodate expected future growth in Norwegian imports and exports. Cargo volumes at Norway's main airport have grown significantly in recent years, and Avinor is planning a new cargo and logistics area on the western side of the airport. 

– Norway may be located far north, but our businesses should not be far from their markets. More direct cargo routes make Norwegian industry more competitive and strengthen Oslo Airport's role as a bridge between Norwegian producers and the rest of the world. That is exactly the kind of development we want to facilitate, says Lande.