Qantas expands Tasman freight services

Qantas is introducing a new overnight freight service from Monday, with a Boeing 767 freighter flying the Tasman four times a week.

The leased wide-body freighter will fly Sydney-Auckland-Christchurch-Sydney between Monday and Thursday.

The aircraft, with a payload of about 42 tonnes, will also be available for charter work and weekend rotations depending on the demand.

The Tasman was one of Qantas' most important freight markets, the airline said.

The service was subject to regulatory approval.

Qantas will stop domestic flights in New Zealand today, replacing them with the services of its budget airline Jetstar flying on the main trunk between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

The new freight service comes as figures show cargo demand around the world will decline by 17 per cent.

- NZPA