Emirates SkyCargo expands African trade network

Emirates airline's cargo unit, Emirates SkyCargo, has strengthened its operations on the African trade route, the carrier said in a statement on Tuesday. Emirates SkyCargo added that its annual cargo capacity to and from the continent is expected to "exceed 300,000 tonnes" after the launch of Harare-Lusaka service on February 1, 2012. The carrier's weekly cargo capacity into and out of the continent, however, will be over 6,000 tonnes, Emirates said. The two new gateways will lead to Emirates SkyCargo connecting businesses in 22 countries across Africa to its network of more than 100 destinations, while also providing increased opportunities for key trading partners such as China and Japan. "While many regions are experiencing challenging economic conditions, Africa - with a population in excess of one billion and rich in natural resources - is one of the few areas to record growth and the long-term outlook is very positive," Ram Menen, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, said in a statement, adding that the carrier expected "demand to be strong" for a variety of commodities going into and out of Lusaka and Harare. The Dubai-Lusaka-Harare service will be operated five times a week by an A330-200, providing a total weekly cargo capacity of up to 160 tonnes, the carrier stated.