Emirates SkyCargo Increases Brazilian Cargo Flights

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates Airline, is set to add a third weekly freighter flight to meet the growing demands of the thriving UAE-Brazil trade route. The oil industry is just one of many areas that are bustling in Brazil and last month Emirates SkyCargo delivered two large helicopters for energy giant Petrobras. The helicopters – to be used by Rio de Janeiro oil rigs – were transported from Dubai International Airport to Viracopos Airport in Campinas, a route which the carrier will serve three times a week from September 16.

Emirates SkyCargo has been serving Campinas since October 2010, providing much needed support to the booming import and export industry generated by South America’s largest city. The 747-400F which operates the route has a capacity of 117 tonnes, meaning the additional flight will take the weekly total to 350 tonnes in both directions. The service operates via Frankfurt, Germany, on the outbound journey and returns through Dakar, Senegal.

In addition to the freighter flights to Sao Paulo, Emirates has been operating a passenger service to Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, since 2007. It currently flies a 777-300ER on the route which can transport up to 160 tonnes of belly hold cargo a week in both directions. And another 160 tonnes of capacity will be added each week between the UAE and Brazil from January 3, 2012 when the airline launches passenger flights to Rio de Janeiro, via Buenos Aires, also with a 777-300ER.

According to the Arab-Brazilian Trade Board, Brazilian exports to countries in the Middle East totalled $6.41 billion (Dhs 23.5 billion) in the first half of 2011, representing a growth of 33 per cent over the same period last year. The UAE is among the three main markets for Brazilian exports, totalling $848.78 million (Dhs 3.1 billion) - an increase of 21.40 per cent over the same period last year. The main products exported were meats, sugar, minerals, coffee and dairy products. Imports from the Middle East also recorded a strong increase in the period, totalling $4.55 billion (Dhs 16.71 billion) in the first half of 2011, a figure 41 per cent higher than the same period in 2010. The main products were mineral fuels, followed by fertilisers and salt.