On 20 November 2024, China Eastern Airlines celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Fresh Express route in Santiago, Chile. The first charter flight laden with Chilean cherries departed Santiago and, after a 25-hour flight, arrived at Shanghai Pudong. Since its launch in 2013, China Eastern has expanded from an initial two flights to 350 charter flights in 2024, importing more than 50,000 tonnes of agricultural products including Chilean cherries and salmon, with a total value exceeding US$1 billion.

China Eastern's fresh produce network now reaches over 80% of China's consumer population, and it has developed a range of cold-chain technologies such as temperature-controlled equipment and waterproof pallets. Former Chilean President Eduardo Frei stated that China Eastern has helped bring Chilean agricultural products into the Chinese market, with over 90% of Chilean cherries sold to China each year, and China Eastern handling the primary transport. China Eastern also plans to expand Chilean agricultural products into Southeast Asian markets and is considering cooperation with airlines such as Latam.

For New Zealand small and medium enterprise owners, the case of China Eastern's decade-long Fresh Express reveals several key business insights. Firstly, China Eastern's 'origin direct' model connects directly with high-quality Chilean exporters – a vertical integration strategy that effectively reduces supply chain costs and enhances bargaining power. New Zealand exporters could adopt a similar model by establishing long-term charter agreements with airlines, especially for high-value perishables like kiwifruit and red meat.

Secondly, China Eastern's technological innovations (temperature control monitoring, waterproof pallets) ensure product quality – crucial for New Zealand's long-distance transport to China. Businesses should consider investing in cold-chain logistics upgrades. Thirdly, China Eastern leveraged international meetings such as APEC and G20 held in South America to deepen cooperation, highlighting the trade driving force of geopolitical windows.

New Zealand companies should closely monitor the follow-up negotiations of the NZ-China FTA upgrade and trade facilitation measures under the RCEP framework. Finally, China Eastern's plan to expand into Southeast Asia means New Zealand goods may face competition from Chilean products in the same market – differentiation and brand storytelling will become more important. In conclusion, the China Eastern case demonstrates that scaling and innovating in air logistics can significantly improve market penetration.

New Zealand businesses should assess the potential for co-operation with China Eastern or seek similar partners to reduce reliance on traditional sea freight.

Keywords: China Eastern, Fresh Express, Chilean cherries, air freight, cold chain logistics, China-Chile trade, market analysis, South American agricultural products, charter transport, trade innovation

2024年11月20日，中国东方航空在智利圣地亚哥庆祝生鲜快线开通十周年。东航首架满载智利车厘子的包机从圣地亚哥起飞，经25小时飞行抵达上海浦东。自2013年启动以来，东航从最初两架次航班扩展到2024年350架次包机，累计进口智利车厘子、三文鱼等农产品超5万吨，货值超10亿美元。

东航的生鲜运输网络已覆盖中国80%以上消费人群，并开发多项冷链技术如温控设备和防水托盘。智利前总统弗雷表示东航助力智利农产品进入中国市场，每年超90%的智利车厘子销往中国，东航承担主要运输任务。东航还计划将智利农产品推向东南亚市场，并考虑与Latam等航空合作。

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对于新西兰中小企业主而言，东航十年生鲜快线的案例揭示了几个关键商业洞察。首先，东航通过‘产地直达’模式直接对接智利优质出口商，这种垂直整合策略有效降低了供应链成本并提升议价能力。新西兰出口商可借鉴此模式，与航空公司建立长期包机协议，尤其是高附加值生鲜如猕猴桃、牛羊肉等。

其次，东航的技术创新（温控监测、防水托盘）保障了生鲜质量，这对新西兰产品远距离运输至中国至关重要，建议相关企业关注冷链物流的升级投资。第三，东航利用APEC和G20等国际会议在南美召开的契机深化合作，表明地缘政治窗口期对贸易的推动力。新西兰企业应密切跟踪中新自贸协定升级后续谈判及RCEP框架下的贸易便利化措施。

最后，东航计划拓展东南亚市场，这意味着新西兰商品可能面临智利产品在同一市场的竞争，差异化定位和品牌故事将更加重要。结语：东航案例证明，航空物流的规模化和技术创新能显著提高市场渗透率，新西兰企业需评估与东航的合作潜力，或寻求类似伙伴以降低对传统海运的依赖。

关键词: 东航, 生鲜快线, 智利车厘子, 航空货运, 冷链物流, 中智贸易, 市场分析, 南美农产品, 包机运输, 贸易创新

Photo by anncapictures on Pixabay

Source: Sohu