Emirates SkyCargo strengthens operations on African trade route

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of Emirates airline, has strengthened its operations on the African trade route with the addition of five weekly flights from Dubai to the capitals of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

After the launch of Harare-Lusaka service on 1 February 2012, the carrier's weekly cargo capacity into and out of the continent, however, will be over 6,000 tonnes.

The Dubai-Lusaka-Harare service will be operated five times a week by an A330-200, providing a total weekly cargo capacity of up to 160 tonnes.

The addition of flights which comes less than three months after the launch of a dedicated weekly freighter to Accra and Lome and means the company now has a total annual capacity of more than 300,000 tonnes.

Emirates divisional senior vice president of cargo Ram Menen said while many regions are experiencing challenging economic conditions, Africa - with a population in excess of one billion and rich in natural resources - is one of the few areas to record growth and the long-term outlook is very positive.

"We expect demand to be strong for a variety of commodities going into and out of Lusaka and Harare and have no doubt the two destinations will be a strong addition to our African network," Menen said.

The air line also expects to be transporting parts to support the mining and infrastructure sectors - as well as of commodities such as garments, computer parts, and pharmaceuticals - from the likes of the Far East, Australasia, the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Europe and North America.