Emirates Skycargo Looking To A380 Freighters

Emirates Skycargo Looking Forward To A380 Freighters

Emirates SkyCargo is looking forward to adding momentum to its rapidly expanding airfreight capability with its order for two freighter versions of the giant, double-deck Airbus A380 aircraft, which will be able to carry over 30 tonnes more than current jumbos.

Emirates' Senior Vice President Cargo Ram Menen said: "The A380 is due to come into commercial service in 2006 and we are talking with the manufacturer about ways to optimise the capacity of the two pure freighters we have ordered alongside the 43 passenger aircraft.

"When they are delivered in 2008 we intend to use them on high-density routes, and they could be seen in Australia and New Zealand, depending on market conditions. We have been achieving excellent loadings on that route as trade grows and the benefits of direct services to the Middle East and beyond are realised."

Emirates SkyCargo recently achieved a record single-aircraft uplift out of Auckland of 40 tonnes of cargo on its scheduled passenger flight via Melbourne. The award-winning airline flies three times daily from Auckland to Dubai (one each via Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane), offering capacity of more than 60 tonnes a day.

Meanwhile, Emirates SkyCargo's participation in Air Freight Asia 2004, held recently in Bangkok, has proved highly rewarding for both the airline and Dubai.

Ram Menen said: "We always set out clear objectives when participating in an important trade fair. There is great interest in international trade circles about Emirates and Dubai. Air Freight Asia gave us an opportunity to promote both and enhance our standing in the global business arena.

"Some of the world's best companies participated in the event, the turnout was exceptional and we had numerous chances to explore new or expanded business."

Emirates SkyCargo also scored with its creative stand which offered one of the best hospitality services, so typical of the airline, including first-class catering, reception desks at either end staffed by smiling cabin crew who welcomed guests, two comfortable meeting rooms and a visitors lounge to hold trade discussions, and internet pods.

On behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, Mr Menen was invited to attend a roundtable discussion with senior representatives from other organisations. The discussions were wide-ranging, from recent air cargo security measures proposed and implemented by the US government, possible future regulations on belly-hold cargo, to armed pilots, "open skies" policies, new cargo aircraft and e-bookings.

On Emirates' decision to buy two Airbus A380 freighters, Mr Menen said: "The aircraft has very good economics - it can carry 30-plus tonnes more than the Boeing 747-400 freighter for example. The Airbus A380s and Boeing 747s can coexist because they are complementary. We are also very interested in the Boeing 777 LRXF, which looks like it will have very good freighter economics."

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