Emirates expands N American cargo ops

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, the leading international airline of the UAE, is expanding its North American operation, increasing trade opportunities between US businesses and its global network.

After the launch of daily passenger service from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) International airports from February 2 and March 1 respectively, Emirates SkyCargo will connect seven points in North America with trade prospects in more than 100 destinations worldwide.

"Our daily, non-stop flights from DFW and SEA will offer the fastest routes to the Middle East and beyond," said Ram Menen, Emirates' senior divisional vice president Cargo. "We look forward to helping more American firms enhance their trade ties not only with the UAE, but also with markets in parts of South Asia, such as China, South Korea and Japan, and numerous points throughout Emirates' extensive network in India and Africa."

Air cargo transported on Emirates' flights departing the US will be handled at the airline's Cargo Mega Terminal, housed at its hub at Dubai International Airport.

"When combined with the efficiency of one of the youngest fleets in the skies, unrivalled ground-handling facilities, and the very latest information technology at our Cargo Mega Terminal, Emirates SkyCargo is the ideal partner for Dallas/Fort Worth and Seattle-based businesses as they look to boost trade," added Menen. The airline's expansion will help facilitate the growth of trade in the Seattle metropolitan area that produced $24.2 billion in total exports and $2.7 billion in UAE exports in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Texas exports to the UAE also expect significant growth, having reached over $1.7 billion in 2009 - an increase of more than 192 per cent since 2002.

International cargo exported from Dallas/Fort Worth will include oilfield equipment, electronic parts, computers, cell phones, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals; heading for markets across the Emirates network, from the UAE to Australia, India and Uganda.

Leading import commodities such as communications equipment, automotive components, apparel and fabrics will come from a range of markets including Taiwan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.