Emirates grows direct trade

JOY ORLEK
WHILE TRANSHIPMENTS continue to account for the majority of Emirates’ Dubai traffic, direct trade with South Africa is on an upward spiral, according to Johannesburg-based cargo manager Kum Naicker.
The proliferation of trade delegations is a big contributor, says Naicker, who has seen a diversified range of products moving on the route.
“The export of fully grown plants and palm trees, some up to 7metres in height, was one of our fairly recent undertakings. But in addition to the traditional product mix – from precious stones and textiles to seasonal perishables - we’ve seen an increase in carpets from KwaZulu Natal and items like umbrellas which the hotels are importing in vast numbers.
“During the Iraq war, bullet-proof vests from South Africa were a big item on our manifests.”
The airline has recognised the growth potential of South and southern Africa, says Naicker, and capacity is constantly being upgraded to meet growing demand.
“If we could get the slots, we wouldn’t hesitate to add capacity to the current double daily Johannesburg flights and the Friday freighter.
Emirates regards Africa as a strategic growth area, says Naicker. Its current destinations on the continent include Cairo, Nairobi, Accra, Lagos, Dar-es-Salaam, Khartoum, Entebbe, Seychelles, Tripoli, Casablanca and Mauritius. A new addition this year will be Alexandria in Egypt.