Air New Zealand has been awarded more international cargo flights under the Kiwi Government’s Maintaining International Air Connectivity (MIAC) scheme.

In a statement, it said with the scheme extended through to October, 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.

With the trans-Tasman and Cook Islands bubbles now well underway, these services are currently operating outside of the MIAC scheme.

Air New Zealand General Manager Cargo Anna Palairet noted how getting awarded more flights under the Government scheme was "encouraging."

“MIAC is helping our import and export community maintain essential trade with key international markets during an extended period of disruption," Palairet said.

“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.”