Emirates SkyCargo is set to bolster its operations on the booming Africa trade route by launching flights to Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) on 1 February, increasingits weekly cargo capacity into and out of the continent to over 6,000 tonnes.
The addition of flights to the respective capitals comes less than three months after the launch of a dedicated weekly freighter to Accra and Lome, and means Emirates SkyCargo now has a total annual capacity of more than 300,000 tonnes.
The two new gateways mean Emirates SkyCargo can connect businesses in 22 countries across Africa to its network of more than 100 destinations, while also providing increased opportunities for key trading partners such as China and Japan.
'While many regions are experiencing challenging economic conditions, Africa – with a population in excess of 1bn and rich in natural resources – is one of the few areas to record growth and the long-term outlook is very positive,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ divisional senior vice-president cargo. '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.'
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. Fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables will be among the main commodities shipped out of Zimbabwe and Zambia, while trade is also expected to be generated by neighbouring countries.
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