Emirates SkyCargo opens link between UAE and Ghana

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Dubai-based Emirates Airline, has launched a new service on the burgeoning UAE-Africa trade route.

A Boeing 747-400F – with a capacity of 117 tonnes – will operate every Friday between Dubai and Ghana, in support of the thriving import and export industry generated by one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

“Ghana is booming at the moment – exporting items such as oil and gas equipment, pineapples, mangoes, a variety of vegetables, fresh fish and lobsters – so strengthening our commitment to West Africa with the introduction of this weekly freighter makes great business sense,” said Hiran Perera, Emirates’ SVP Cargo Planning & Freighters.

Emirates has been operating a passenger service to Accra, with a weekly cargo capacity of 120 tonnes each way in the bellyhold of an Airbus A330-200, since 2004. The new service – to Kotoka International Airport - will operate via Lome, Togo, on the outbound journey and return to Dubai through Frankfurt, Germany.

“Ghana is rich in natural resources and recognised as one of Africa’s leading economies. This economic strength means it will play a pivotal role in the future development of Africa, making it an important trade route with tremendous scope for growth,” added Perera.

“Africa is a key market for Emirates SkyCargo. We already operate to 20 locations and with Harare and Lusaka set to join our network in February 2012, we look forward to contributing to its continued economic development by facilitating more international trade between the continent and our ever-expanding network of more than 110 destinations.”

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Goods from Ghana will be distributed from Dubai to locations across the Middle East, Europe, the Far East and the United States. Goods going into Ghana include electrical equipment, clothing and mobile phones from the Far East and pharmaceuticals from Europe.

The freight from Frankfurt to Dubai will include car parts, machinery and a diverse range of general merchandise.