Emirates SkyCargo continues to Connect Kenya to Global Markets

Emirates SkyCargo has recalibrated its operations to support the continuity of Kenyan businesses with the introduction of twice-weekly dedicated cargo flights on its passenger aircraft from Nairobi to Dubai.

The airline has established this short term schedule which utilizes the bellyhold capacity on its wide body Boeing 777-300 ER passenger aircraft to supplement the cargo capacity offered by its freighter aircrafts from Nairobi and Eldoret.

Mr. Saeed Abdulla, Emirates Cargo Manager, East Africa said: “As an extremely agile and customer-focused business, we are very committed in supporting the Kenyan economy and helping local businesses maintain continuity by keeping their supplies running across essential industries.”

Between mid-January and mid-March 2020, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 1600 tonnes of perishables from Nairobi to Dubai.

“Even with these challenging times, we have seen Kenyan businesses continue to export seasonal fruits, vegetables and meat targeting the Middle East and Europe markets. Our imports include the traditional commodities, telecommunication equipment, consolidated cargo, pharmaceuticals and urgent courier”, added Mr. Abdulla.

Starting 1 April 2020, Emirates SkyCargo consolidated all its cargo handling operations at Dubai International Airport. The move will help the air cargo carrier streamline cargo operations between its freighter flights and the new dedicated cargo flights being offered on Emirates’ passenger aircraft fleet.

Working in a scenario where global air cargo capacity has been severely constrained due to restrictions on passenger flights, Emirates SkyCargo continues to ensure that goods such as food and medical supplies are transported to destinations where they are needed the most.

Since March, Emirates has been contributing to the COVID-19 by transporting critical medical supplies around the world. The airline shipped more than 1,500,000 testing kits to Sao Paulo airport in Brazil from China via Dubai. Emirates has also executed two special charters carrying almost 200 tonnes of medical supplies such as hand sanitisers and protective face masks from Hong Kong to Sydney while another flight transported pharmaceutical supplies to Karachi. As part of a special charter operation, an Emirates Boeing 777 freighter transported close to 100 tonnes of relief material including hospital equipment to Milan.