AMERICAN Airlines Cargo has moved record numbers of decorative koi carp, known as Nishikigoi, from Japan to destinations around the globe.
THE ancient and long-living ornamental fish are highly prized by collectors, where their curated environments often serve as an element of artistic design. The most beautiful of the specimens can grow to more than 100 cm in length and be valued at US$2 million each.
The Nishikigoi is the national fish of Japan because of their beauty and elegance and are considered a sign of great wealth and source of pride in many cultures. The fish therefore require special handling and care when travelling by air as they are transported from native Japan to aqua culturists who import koi for collectors.
The most popular feature on the fish are markings of two or three colours including white, scarlet and ink black.
The cargo carrier has been transporting koi in increasing volumes for 20 years. Their popularity has grown as ornamental fishkeeping expands globally, particularly in Hong Kong, the US, China, Germany, the Netherlands and Indonesia, which accounts for some 60 per cent of their export value.
Approximately 55 per cent of koi breeders are in Niigata Prefecture, 250km north of Tokyo, with most of American's export business of koi coming from this region.
In 2023, the american Airlines Cargo team in Japan transported koi in record volumes of more than 19,100 kgs to LAX and 9,600 kgs to DFW alone, reports AJOT.
American currently operates two direct flights daily to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from either Haneda Airport (HND) or Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT).
SeaNews Turkey
THE ancient and long-living ornamental fish are highly prized by collectors, where their curated environments often serve as an element of artistic design. The most beautiful of the specimens can grow to more than 100 cm in length and be valued at US$2 million each.
The Nishikigoi is the national fish of Japan because of their beauty and elegance and are considered a sign of great wealth and source of pride in many cultures. The fish therefore require special handling and care when travelling by air as they are transported from native Japan to aqua culturists who import koi for collectors.
The most popular feature on the fish are markings of two or three colours including white, scarlet and ink black.
The cargo carrier has been transporting koi in increasing volumes for 20 years. Their popularity has grown as ornamental fishkeeping expands globally, particularly in Hong Kong, the US, China, Germany, the Netherlands and Indonesia, which accounts for some 60 per cent of their export value.
Approximately 55 per cent of koi breeders are in Niigata Prefecture, 250km north of Tokyo, with most of American's export business of koi coming from this region.
In 2023, the american Airlines Cargo team in Japan transported koi in record volumes of more than 19,100 kgs to LAX and 9,600 kgs to DFW alone, reports AJOT.
American currently operates two direct flights daily to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from either Haneda Airport (HND) or Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT).
SeaNews Turkey