China Southern launches Oslo–Shanghai cargo route for Norwegian salmon exports

China Southern Airlines launched a new direct cargo service between Oslo Airport and Shanghai on 19 August. The route operates twice weekly with Boeing 777 freighters, offering approximately 100 tonnes of capacity per flight.

The airline expects the service to carry around 200 tonnes of Norwegian salmon to China each week. Direct flights will shorten transit times, which is particularly important for maintaining the quality and freshness of seafood.

China has become one of Norway’s most important seafood markets. Norway exported 178,000 tonnes of seafood worth NOK 12.3 billion to China in 2025, making it the country’s third-largest seafood export market. Salmon accounted for the largest share.

The service is China Southern’s first route to Oslo and forms part of the carrier’s efforts to expand its European logistics network and presence in the Nordic region. It becomes the second dedicated cargo connection between Oslo and Shanghai.

Oslo Airport will now have five direct cargo routes to China, providing up to 13 weekly departures. Westbound flights will also carry e-commerce shipments, high-value products and other time-sensitive goods from China and the wider Asian market to Norway and the Nordic region.

Avinor said the expansion would improve the competitiveness of Norwegian exporters and strengthen Oslo Airport’s role as an international cargo hub. The airport operator is planning a new cargo and logistics area to accommodate further growth.

Editor’s note: The press release’s reference to Oslo Seafood & Cargo Center handling operations for “Air China Cargo” appears to be an error, as the announced service is operated by China Southern Airlines.