Emirates SkyCargo flew close to 2.6 million tonnes of cargo across six continents from January and December 2018 – a small increase on the 2.5 million tonnes in 2017.
The Dubai-based cargo carrier said this ranged from fruits and vegetables to space satellites, from pharmaceuticals to domestic pets.
In 2018, Emirates SkyCargo carried over 73,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals including on August 2018, when it operated an exclusive freighter flight carrying the equivalent of 1.8 million doses of vaccine from Italy to Brazil.
Addressing the importance of offering enhanced protection to pharmaceuticals on the move, the airline has introduced the pharma corridors initiative across select destinations on its network. It now has 20 pharma stations across its network.
Over 1,100 tonnes of food including fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, were transported every single day by Emirates SkyCargo in 2018.
Perishables as diverse as salmon from Norway, mangoes from South Asia, meat from Australia, fresh seafood from Sri Lanka, Scotland and South Africa, dairy and chocolate from Ireland, green beans from Kenya, lychees and rambutans from Vietnam, strawberries from California, wine and cheese from France make their way to consumers across the world on Emirates’ flights.
From cherished pets to super cars and satellites, Emirates SkyCargo has developed vast expertise in transporting cargo that is extremely valuable to customers.
In 2018, the carrier transported 7,900 domestic cats and dogs on its flights. The carrier also launched Emirates Pets, a product designed to offer convenient and comfortable air transportation experience for domestic pets.
Over 1,140 premium and luxury cars were transported including two special Alfa Romeos for the Gumball 3000 motor rally. Other super cars transported over the year include a DeLorean from Los Angeles also for the Gumball 3000 motor rally; and a Koenigsegg Agera RS1, one of the only 25 cars in existence in the world.
Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet of freighter aircraft operated a total of 395 charter flights between January and December 2018.
Over the course of the year close to 1,800 horses travelled in comfort on Emirates SkyCargo’s Boeing 777 freighters to participate in major international equestrian and racing events.
Charter flights were also used to transport equipment and instruments for music concerts and other entertainment events across the world.
Emirates SkyCargo connects cargo customers across more than 155 destinations on six continents including over 40 cities linked by scheduled freighter services. The air cargo carrier makes an important contribution to local economies by facilitating exports.
In Kenya for example, the carrier operates a daily freighter service from Nairobi, transporting freshly harvested roses and other flowers directly to Amsterdam, the world’s largest flower distribution centre.
The export of flowers directly supports the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Kenyans. In 2018, Emirates SkyCargo transported close to 50,000 tonnes of flowers from flower growing nations including Kenya and Ecuador.
Last year, the carrier expanded its reach to include four new destinations and started freighter services to Maastricht and extended its belly capacity to Santiago, Stansted and Edinburgh helping customers in these locations connect with partners in different parts of the world and increasing trade opportunities.
Between January and December 2018, close to 158,000 tonnes of cargo were transported by truck to or from a destination served by Emirates SkyCargo. At its hub in Dubai, the 24/7 bonded trucking service connecting the carrier’s cargo terminals in Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central moved over 300,000 tonnes of cargo in 2018.
