LAST WEEK’S launch by Emirates Airline of a new passenger service to Bangalore has added 120 tonnes of cargo capacity in both directions. The new service, operated on both the A330-200 and Boeing 777-200 aircraft, gives Emirates eight non-stop direct weekly frequencies in addition to its existing weekly freighter flight. “India has always represented a major manufacturing hub, but with higher expendable incomes across the subcontinent we also see the emergence of a growing consumer market,” said Ram Menen, divisional senior vice president, cargo. “The introduction of eight weekly passenger flights will help us to meet capacity demands, which we are now seeing in both directions,” added Menen. The expansion of cargo services to Bangalore coincides with Emirates SkyCargo’s recent major fleet expansion announcements. Most recently, the carrier signed a contract for 10 Boeing 747-8Fs worth US$2.8 billion, and announced a commitment to purchase rights for 10 additional 747-8Fs. The contract signing for the 10 Boeing 747-8Fs formalises the airline’s order, announced at the Farnborough Air Show earlier this year. Over the next few years, the airline will add 127 aircraft to its fleet. The total value of aircraft now on its order books is over US $30 billion.
