Emirates' cargo unit set to grow route to Brazil

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates airline, said on Tuesday it is set to add a third weekly freight flight to meet the growing demands of the thriving UAE-Brazil trade route.Its cargo route linking Dubai International Airport to Viracopos Airport in Campinas will be served three times a week from September 16, the airline said in a statement.Emirates SkyCargo has been serving Campinas since October 2010, providing support to the booming import and export industry generated by South America’s largest city.The 747-400F which operates the route has a capacity of 117 tonnes, meaning the additional flight will take the weekly total to 350 tonnes in both directions.The service operates via Frankfurt, Germany, on the outbound journey and returns through Dakar, Senegal.In addition to the freighter flights to Sao Paulo, Emirates has been operating a passenger service to Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, since 2007 with a Boeing 777-300ER, which can transport up to 160 tonnes a week in both directions in the belly hold.And another 160 tonnes will be transported each week between the UAE and Brazil from January 3 2012, when the airline launches passenger flights to Rio de Janeiro, via Buenos Aires, also with a Boeing 777-300ER.This increased capacity will be key to meeting the burgeoning demand for direct, fast and secure air freight between Brazil and the Middle East, as well as Asia and Europe, Emirates added.The oil industry is just one of many areas that are bustling in Brazil and last month Emirates SkyCargo delivered two large helicopters for energy giant Petrobras.The helicopters – to be used by Rio de Janeiro oil rigs – were transported from Dubai International Airport to Viracopos Airport in Campinas.“Transporting helicopters requires the highest degree of care and special handling, from when we take delivery of them, to loading, right through to their arrival in Sao Paulo,” said Dener Souza, cargo manager of SkyCargo in South America.“This is a great example of the expertise we can offer customers who want to quickly transport valuable out-sized items, while the addition of another flight is a tremendous boost to the service we can provide.” From / Arabian Business