New Air Cargo Strategy Opens Doors to Europe and Beyond
Thousands of pounds of premium, live Newfoundland and Labrador lobster took off from Gander International Airport this week aboard a FarCargo Boeing 757-233, destined for Madrid, Spain. The flight marks a major milestone in a bold new strategy to diversify seafood markets amid global trade headwinds.
Premium, live, cold-water lobster (the kind that’s earned a global reputation as the world’s best) were carefully prepped and packed by the Gander team before takeoff. Within hours, that same catch will be featured on menus in Spain, demonstrating how air cargo can bridge oceans and deliver premium Newfoundland and Labrador seafood to international buyers in record time.
This shipment is part of an initiative to expand markets globally and in response to the current global geopolitical climate. It is the result of more than two years of planning and collaboration between public and private partners — a model for what’s possible when different sectors work together toward a common goal.
Led by PF Collins International Trade Solutions, Whitecap International Seafood Exporters, Eastern Fish Markets Ltd., Happy Adventure Sea Products (1991) Ltd., the Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA), Allied Aviation Services Company, Hardy Fish Co Ltd., and other seafood industry leaders, the new seafood air cargo and market diversification project is setting a foundation for sustainable global reach. Closely aligned with the long-term vision of establishing Gander as a seafood export hub, the initiative provides vital and immediate support in process development, logistics coordination, international marketing, and strategic sales planning.
Darrell Roche, President and CEO at Whitecap, noted that the project was 2 years in the making, and the success of the inaugural flight was a proud day for everyone at Whitecap and its many partners.
“The success of this project is a result of dedication and perseverance by numerous companies and funding agencies who trusted us and believed in this project. Without the support of those funding agencies, none of this would have happened.”
Roche emphasized the role of close collaboration and geography in the success of the project.
“Together with PF Collins International Trade Solutions, Robert Hardy of Hardy Fish Co Ltd., the Gander International Airport Authority, and Allied Aviation Services Company, we have been able to leverage close geographic proximity to the supply and Gander International Airport and build new infrastructure that delivered these premium products to global markets in record time.”
He also noted that partners such as Eastern Fish Markets and Happy Adventure Sea Products are world-class seafood processors that work with elite harvesters who are catching the highest quality lobsters in the world.
“We have demonstrated to our European customers that they will receive the highest quality product from us. Without Bob Hardy’s persistence, experience and encouragement, we would not have stayed with this project. His support was instrumental,” Roche said.
Whitecap would also like to recognize their partner and customers in Spain that have been instrumental in guiding the project.
While the project’s start was considered a success, Roche emphasized that the real work starts now.
“With our partners, Whitecap will quickly expand the species we can ship live and fresh and the destinations that we will service as a collective group. Timing could not be better given the recent large increase in Atlantic cod quotas, so this species will be a big part of our future shipments.”
Mark Wheaton, General Manager of Eastern Fish Markets, underscored the launch’s importance in shaping the province’s identity in the global seafood industry.
“It’s a milestone for the Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster fishery – the beginning of finally selling Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster as ‘Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster’ and not having our lobster branded as someone else’s once we sell it. To the harvesters that continue to support Eastern Fish Markets with Grade A quality lobster, my hat is off to every single one. Without this product, this could not have been possible.”
Eastern Fish Markets specialize in premium Newfoundland & Labrador wild lobster sourced from first-class harvesters who ensure superior quality.
“Our team of harvesters source these animals from the cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic, which are considered to be one of the healthiest ocean habitats in the world. We are committed to community values, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing careful handling of live harvest to maintain quality.”
Raymond Collins, President of PF Collins, stressed the importance of speed and precision in maintaining that quality.
“When global trade shifts overnight, the only solution is to move faster. This project gives our seafood exporters a direct runway to premium international markets. PF Collins is proud to support the logistics planning, aircraft bookings, and freight forwarding documentation that help get our province’s top-tier seafood into the hands of global buyers quickly and efficiently.”
Roche added that this project is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to achieve a common goal. The project partners acknowledge the valuable advice and support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
“Every participating partner played an essential role in turning this vision into reality, and the project stands as a model for future collaborations focused on sustainability, innovation, and economic growth,” he said.
While the inaugural flight was focused on lobster destined for the Spanish market, the broader strategy includes expansion into France, the United Kingdom, and eventually, high-value Asian markets like South Korea and Japan. This plan not only provides short-term protection for Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry but also creates the opportunity for the province to establish long-lasting, resilient trade corridors for the years ahead. The consortium looks forward to delivering premium-quality, fresh North Atlantic cod from Newfoundland and Labrador to many customers across Europe this fall.
As the Gander seafood hub continues to evolve, the success of this pilot project marks the beginning of a new chapter – one where Newfoundland and Labrador seafood is no longer just ocean-harvested, but also runway-ready.
Check out an additional CBC Article covering the flight here!
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