Argentina looks set to increase its stonefruit exports to the U.S. through shipments to Miami with the prospect of direct air freight in the future, reports Los Andes.com.

Direct flights would boost Argentina's stone fruit exports

Local politicians from the province of Mendoza met with Miami  transport chiefs and business leaders to discuss how the situation could be improved to include more direct transportation.

Miami International Airport representative Ernesto Rodriguez, said a direct connection between the two cities could be justified if there was sufficient volume for at least three flights a week.

"We want to extend the operation of perishable products (73% of the inputs are fruits and vegetables), and we have to ask for direct routes,"  he was reported as saying.

Mendoza's Industry, Technology & Services Promotion assistant secretary Javier Espina, said the first step should be for cargo transportation of stonefruit such as cherries, plums and peaches.

The port of Miami covers almost 400 hectares and is a popular terminal for cruise liners servicing 4 million visitors annually. It's airport handles 36 million passengers a year and accounts for almost half of all Argentine visitors to the U.S.

www.freshfruitportal.com