Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, one of the fastest growing international airlines, has bolstered its operations on the booming Africa trade route with the addition of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe on 1st February.

Supporting the thriving trade between Africa and the rest of the world, its weekly cargo capacity into and out of the continent will be over 6000 tonnes after the launch of the flights Dubai-Harare-Lusaka. The two new gateways mean Emirates SkyCargo can connect businesses in 22 countries across Africa to its network of more than 100 destinations.

“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,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo.

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.

South Africa - with a weekly capacity of more than 1500 tonnes spread across the belly-hold of 84 passenger flights serving Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, as well as two dedicated Johannesburg freighters – is Emirates SkyCargo’s key trading point on the continent.

Emirates SkyCargo expects to be transporting parts to support the mining and infrastructure sectors – as well as of commodities such as garments, computer parts, and pharmaceuticals - from the likes of the Far East, Australasia, the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Europe and North America.

Following the launch of the Lusaka/Harare service, Emirates SkyCargo will serve a global route network that spans 120 points in 72 countries, including 11 cargo-only destinations, while more than 50 of the locations Emirates SkyCargo serves are e-freight compliant.

Emirates flies on a daily schedule from Malta to Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus. Emirates SkyCargo is located on the First Floor at MIA Departures and can be contacted on tel. no 21660102, or at [email protected].