Emirates brings on dedicated freighter

Joy Orlek EMIRATES SKYCARGO will launch a dedicated cargo freighter service to Johannesburg on October 1. A Boeing 747-400F with capacity for 124 tonnes will operate the service which marks the airline’s first African freighter route. It supplements the current 182 tonnes of belly-hold capacity in its Airbus A340-300 double daily services and boosts capacity to more than 300 tonnes of cargo per week. The freighter will return via Nairobi. It is expected to meet growing demand from the South African economy for industrial goods, specifically machinery, components, spare parts and electronics. From Nairobi perishables such as fresh flowers, vegetables and fish will wing their way to international markets, helping to satisfy multicultural European palates. “Coming close on the heels of the launch of belly-hold capacity to Lagos and Accra in January this year, our new service is a key portent of developments in this important region,” said Hiran Perera, Emirates’ manager cargo planning and capacity development. October 1 will also see the launch of a freighter service to Lahore in Pakistan.