Freighter ‘behemoths’ catapult Emirates into new league

JOY ORLEK AN ORDER for two Airbus A380 freighter aircraft is set to catapult cargo capacity on Emirates Airlines into a new league. The aircraft, with a range of 10 400 kilometres, is designed to carry payloads of 150 tonnes spread over its three decks. The massive freighters will enable the airline to carry a wider range of commodities - from perishables and live animals to automobiles, large engines, outsized shipments and dense freight. In fact, the aircraft will be equipped to transport an entire stable - horses, personal trainers, groomers et al. Dubai International Airport is being rebuilt to accommodate this mammoth freighter in 2008. Emirates SkyCargo intends to operate the A380Fs initially on trunk routes between Europe and the Far East.