Emirates boosts African links

STARTING 1 February Emirates SkyCargo will lift its African capacity to 6,000 metric tonnes a week.
The new Dubai (UAE)-Lusaka (Zambia)-Harare (Zimbabwe) service will be operated five times a week on an A330-200, providing a total weekly cargo capacity of up to 160 tonnes.
“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,” Ram Menen, Emirates’ divisional senior vice-president Cargo, says.
“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.”
SkyCargo expects to transport mining and infrastructure parts, as well as of commodities such as garments, computer parts and pharmaceuticals. Perishables will be among the main commodities shipped in the other direction.
Zambia has been enjoying an economic boom, driven by record copper prices and continued foreign investment in its mining industry and infrastructure, while Zimbabwe’s economy is growing at a brisk pace despite continuing political uncertainty.
At the end of last year the carrier launched a dedicated weekly freighter to Accra (Ghana) and Lome (Togo). Now SkyCargo has a total annual capacity of more than 300,000 tonnes.

Share this story