Emirates Enhances Trade Links to Africa

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Dubai-based Emirates Airline, has launched a new service on the burgeoning UAE - Africa trade route. The carrier is offering a new weekly cargo connection between Dubai and Ghana, in support of the thriving import and export industry generated by one of the world’s fastest growing economies. The flight to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport will operate via Lome, Togo, on the outbound journey and return to Dubai through Frankfurt, Germany and will be flown with a Boeing 747-400F with a capacity of 117 tonnes.

“Ghana is booming at the moment – exporting items such as 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, SVP Cargo Planning & Freighters at Emirates.

The new dedicated freight flight will supplement the airline’s existing passenger services to Accra which offers bellyhold cargo space to the freight industry. It has been serving the Ghanaian market since 2004 and currently utilises an Airbus A330-200 on its flights to Accra offering a weekly cargo capacity of 120 tonnes.

“Ghana is rich in natural resources and recognised as one of Africa’s leading economies. This economic strength means it will play a pivotal role in the future development of Africa, making it an important trade route with tremendous scope for growth,” added Hiran Perera.

According to Emirates SkyCargo, goods from Ghana will be distributed from Dubai to locations across the Middle East, Europe, the Far East and the United States. Goods going into Ghana will include electrical equipment, clothing and mobile phones from the Far East and pharmaceuticals from Europe, while the freight from Frankfurt to Dubai will include car parts, machinery and a diverse range of general merchandise.