Emirates SkyCargo will commence scheduled cargo flights from Colombo, following the successful operation of special flights in the second half of April to support Sri Lankan exporters’ efforts to keep their supply chains open.
Emirates will initially operate one cargo flight a week commencing tomorrow May 11, using a Boeing 777-300 passenger aircraft, offering Sri Lankan exporters access to markets in more than 65 countries in a network that is constantly expanding.
Each flight can carry up to 50 tonnes of cargo on its return journey. Emirates SkyCargo’s products such as Emirates Fresh and Emirates Pharma help transport perishables, medicines and other temperature- and time-sensitive cargo around the world by deploying special facilities that keep these items in pristine condition throughout the journey.
“Keeping supply chains and revenue flows going is vital for exporters to retain customers and markets in these times of disruption and lockdown,” said Emirates’ Cargo Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Kapila Santhapriya.
“Emirates SkyCargo has the scale, reach and expertise to do just that, and even more importantly, the commitment to do so. We look forward to ramping up our services to Colombo as markets around the world open and demand grows,” he said.
In the second half of April this year, Emirates SkyCargo helped Sri Lankan exporters of perishables such as fish, fruit, and vegetables to export nearly 100 tonnes of produce to markets in Zurich, Paris, Frankfurt, London, Brussels, Dubai, Karachi and Lahore with two special flights in passenger aircraft operating as freighters.
The air cargo operator is currently flying 11 Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, each with a capacity to transport about 100 tonnes of cargo per flight and around 60 of its Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft as dedicated cargo aircraft, with a 40-50 tonne belly hold cargo capacity per flight.