Emirates Sky Cargo, the freight division of Emirates, has launched a new service on the burgeoning UAE-Africa trade route.
A Boeing 747-400F – with a 117 tonne capacity – will operate every Friday between Dubai and Ghana, to support the thriving imports and exports generated by one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
“Ghana is booming at the moment – exporting oil and gas equipment, pineapples, mangoes, a variety of vegetables, fresh fish and lobsters – so strengthening our commitment to west Africa with the introduction of this weekly freighter makes great business sense,” said Hiran Perera, Emirates’ SVP Cargo Planning and Freighters.
Emirates has been operating a passenger service to Accra, with a weekly cargo capacity of 120 tonnes each way using an Airbus A330-200, since 2004. The new service – to Kotoka International Airport – will operate via Lome, Togo, on the outbound journey and return to Dubai through Frankfurt, Germany.
“Africa is a key market for Emirates Sky Cargo. We already operate to 20 locations, and with Harare and Lusaka set to join our network in February 2012, we look forward to contributing to its continued economic development by facilitating more international trade between the continent and our ever-expanding network of more than 110 destinations,” added Perera.
Goods from Ghana will be distributed from Dubai to locations across the Middle East, Europe, the Far East and the US. Goods going into Ghana include electrical equipment, clothing and mobile phones from the Far East and pharmaceuticals from Europe.
The freight from Frankfurt to Dubai will include car parts, machinery and a diverse range of general merchandise.
Emirates flies on a daily schedule from Malta to Dubai via Larnaca, Cyprus. Emirates Sky Cargo is located on the first floor at the MIA Departures lounge. For further information call 2166 0102, or e-mail skycargomla@emirates.com.