China Southern Airlines has launched a new direct cargo service between Oslo Airport and Shanghai, adding up to 200 tonnes of weekly freight capacity between Norway and China.
The new route began operations on August 19, 2026, with two weekly flights operated by Boeing 777F freighter aircraft. Each departure offers approximately 100 tonnes of cargo capacity, with Norwegian salmon expected to account for a large share of eastbound shipments.
The service marks China Southern’s first route to Oslo and further strengthens direct air freight connections between Norway and one of its fastest-growing seafood markets.
“This is a significant development in a major market for Norwegian seafood,” said Eva Beate Lande, Head of Cargo at Avinor. “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.”
Around 200 tonnes of Norwegian salmon expected each week
China Southern expects the new service to transport around 200 tonnes of Norwegian salmon to China each week during its initial phase.
The Boeing 777F is one of the world’s largest dedicated freighter aircraft and allows exporters to move large quantities of temperature-sensitive products directly between the two markets.
“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,” said Bryan Wu, Cargo Manager at China Southern Airlines.
Wu said the airline expects the service to establish a regular air freight corridor for fresh products while supporting wider trade between China and Norway.
Fast transport is particularly important for Norway’s seafood sector, where reducing transit times can help maintain product quality and extend shelf life after arrival.
China becomes a major market for Norwegian seafood
The launch comes as Norwegian seafood exports to China continue to grow.
Norway exported 178,000 tonnes of seafood to China in 2025, according to figures cited by Avinor from the Norwegian Seafood Council. Those exports were valued at NOK 12.3 billion.
China became Norway’s third-largest seafood market last year, rising from sixth place a year earlier, with salmon remaining the largest category of Norwegian seafood exported to the country.
“China is one of the most important growth markets for Norwegian seafood, and we see significant potential for further market development,” said Lars Tømte, Air Freight Manager at Mowi.
“The new China Southern route provides valuable capacity for the seafood industry, and we look forward to exploring the opportunities it creates.”
Oslo Airport expands direct cargo links with China
China Southern’s new service becomes the second dedicated cargo route connecting Oslo Airport directly with Shanghai.
Overall, five cargo routes now link Oslo with destinations in China, providing as many as 13 weekly departures.
Additional freight capacity is available on passenger services. Hainan Airlines, for example, operates seasonal passenger flights between Oslo and Beijing, with cargo transported in the aircraft’s belly holds.
Avinor said the growing number of direct cargo links reflects strong demand for freight capacity between Norway and China, particularly from exporters of fresh seafood.
The routes also provide capacity for shipments travelling in the opposite direction.
Chinese e-commerce and high-value goods heading to the Nordics
Westbound flights from Asia are expected to carry e-commerce shipments, high-value products and other time-sensitive cargo destined for Norway and the wider Nordic market.
Maintaining sufficient demand in both directions will be important to the long-term viability of the service.
“A successful cargo route depends on aircraft being well utilized in both directions,” Lande said. “Norway has substantial export needs, while Asia generates significant import flows into Norway and the wider Nordic region.”
Oslo Seafood & Cargo Center will handle China Southern’s cargo operations at Oslo Airport.
Avinor plans further cargo expansion at Oslo Airport
The new Shanghai route forms part of a broader expansion of Oslo Airport’s role as an international freight hub.
Cargo volumes at Norway’s main airport have increased significantly in recent years, and Avinor is planning a new cargo and logistics area on the western side of the airport to accommodate future growth.
The airport operator sees additional direct cargo connections as particularly important for Norwegian industries producing perishable and time-sensitive exports.
“Norway may be located far north, but our businesses should not be far from their markets,” Lande said. “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.”
