China, Australia, Japan and Canada were the next largest markets.
China was the fastest-growing market, with demand up 85% on the prior year.
About 732 tonnes of salmon were sent to China.
“We’re seeing strong demand for high-quality seafood around the world,” said Auckland Airport’s chief customer officer, Scott Tasker.
“Thanks to the speed and reach of air freight, New Zealand’s salmon is arriving fresher than ever, going from our regions to restaurant tables in overseas markets.”
In the US, the biggest markets were the west coast states of California, Oregon and Washington.
The airport said those states had a strong seafood culture and distribution hubs.
New York, Boston, Chicago and Miami were also key markets for premium seafood.
Auckland Airport said it handled 80% of New Zealand’s air-freighted salmon exports, mainly from the South Island.
Akaroa King Salmon chief executive Stewart Hawthorn said chefs demanded fresh fish in perfect condition.
He said a secure cold chain and dependable air connections were crucial.
He said every time Akaroa King Salmon connected with an international partner, export dollars came straight to New Zealand.
Up to seven airlines were flying direct from Auckland to North America, he said: Air New Zealand, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines and Qantas.
Fiji Airways and Air Tahiti Nui offered one-stop links to the US.
“It’s that reliable, high-frequency connectivity that provides the bellyhold cargo space for high-value New Zealand exports,” the airport said.
As for China, the airport said China Southern Airlines’ dedicated freighter service to Guangzhou, launched in July, added more capacity.
The airport had started the staged opening of a new cargo precinct on Manu Tapu Drive.
It was beside the new northern airfield expansion with direct airfield access.
The airfield upgrade created more overnight parking for aircraft and could host up to 11 jets.
New Zealand also exported fruit and vegetables through the airport, with cherries, capsicums, avocados and blueberries the main exports last summer.
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