More than 50 tonnes of Territory mangoes will be exported to Hong Kong, South Korea, and Dubai on Friday using a modified Boeing 777 from Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific has dedicated a weekly freight service out of Darwin for the next five weeks, with an estimated 285 tonnes to be shipped.

Seaway Logistics NT general manager Rob Hall told the NT News, said the Pak Fresh Handling facility at Darwin Airport, which opened more than two years ago, uses vapour heat treatment that allows the fruit to be exported to markets.

“One of our big developments for this year’s mango season was the company’s VHT facility allowing us to meet international protocols and ensuring that the mangoes won’t be carrying any disease or fruit flies. The treatment process permits NT produce to go direct from Darwin to customers around the world,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s been a long time coming because we’ve been working on this project for five years.”

He said there’s no other facility in Australia that has a VHT plant.

“From a grower’s point of view, they have quality control, we can treat it, handle it and put it directly onto the plane and load it so it doesn’t get exposed to the outside elements too much. growers would also benefit financially from the uptake of airfreight,” he said.

Cathay Pacific regional head of cargo Nigel Chynoweth said the airline has successfully exported cherries out of Hobart.

“We hope to sustain the airline’s relationship with the Territory and key export markets in the future. Mangoes are an iconic Australian fruit loved by consumers across the globe. For us to be able to uplift mangoes to Hong Kong with next-day connection to several destinations is perfect,” Mr Chynoweth said.

Mr Chynoweth said if this mango season proves to be successful, it would increased the frequency of flights to other destinations, including Japan.

The ABC reported that in the last 18 months a small amount of mangoes, pumpkins, and rock melons were exported by the Territory to several Asian supply markets.