Air New Zealand said it is helping bring tens of millions of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to support the country's Covid response over the coming months. 

In a statement, it said the airline is operating nine charter flights through to February 20, and Air New Zealand's General Manager Cargo Anna Palairet says there are plenty more in the works for such operations.

"Operating these charter flights was a no brainer. There is a real urgency to bring Rapid Antigen Tests into New Zealand, and we're proud to be playing our part in getting them here. It's truly been a fantastic team effort between Air New Zealand, Ministry of Health and the freight forwarders," Palairet said.

"We've been operating charters for RAT kits since December, but things are really ramping up now. In addition to charters, we’ve also been making use of capacity on commercial flights. Where we've got space, we're using it for RATs."

Air New Zealand noted that while it is "constrained" by available aircraft and operating crew for charter flights, having its777-300 back in action from last week will help to increase cargo capacity across the network.

"We know the demand is there, and our teams are doing everything they can to try and fulfil it," Palairet added.

Air New Zealand said it has seen its cargo business skyrocket over the past two years, with an estimated 200 million tonnes of product carried since 2020.