Emirates SkyCargo: A Driving Force in Global and African Airfreight
Emirates SkyCargo, the airfreight division of Emirates Airlines, is playing a significant role in the burgeoning global cargo market, particularly in Africa. Badr Abbas, Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure investment, positioning it as a key player in facilitating trade and e-commerce growth across the continent. He emphasized the robust performance of the cargo sector, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlined the company’s ambitious plans for expansion, including the addition of 20 new freighter destinations over the next decade.
E-commerce is a major driver of this growth, and Emirates SkyCargo is actively building capabilities to support this rapidly evolving sector. Their extensive network, frequent flights, and specialized infrastructure provide the speed and reliability essential for both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce transactions. The company’s investment in new aircraft, including the A350s with enhanced belly hold capacity, further strengthens their ability to meet the growing demand for fast fulfillment. This commitment to e-commerce is not just about infrastructure; it’s about fostering innovation and efficiency to power the next generation of online trade.
Africa is a vital market for Emirates SkyCargo, representing a significant portion of their overall cargo volume. In 2023, they transported over 196,000 tonnes of goods across the continent, showcasing the strong demand and growth potential within African markets. Leveraging their dedicated freighters, expansive passenger network, and strategic trucking partnerships, Emirates SkyCargo facilitates seamless movement of goods across Africa and beyond. They are actively investing in infrastructure and forging partnerships with local airlines, such as Astral Aviation, to extend their reach into underserved areas. This commitment to connectivity is vital for supporting the growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and empowering African businesses to access global markets.
Emirates SkyCargo’s operations in Kenya are a prime example of their commitment to the African market. Kenya is a key hub for the company, with two weekly freighters and two daily passenger flights providing significant cargo capacity. Kenya is also one of four African countries with a designated pharma corridor, highlighting the company’s investment in specialized facilities for handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. Emirates SkyCargo plays a critical role in facilitating Kenya’s diverse export market, transporting flowers, vegetables, meat, and fruits to international destinations. They have fifth freedom agreements in place, allowing them to transport goods between certain countries, including the shipment of flowers from Kenya directly to Europe.
While acknowledging the global fleet shortage, Emirates SkyCargo has outlined an ambitious expansion plan. Their 10-year strategy aims to double their freighter fleet to 21 dedicated aircraft by December 2026, significantly increasing their cargo capacity and expanding their reach into new markets. This expansion will not only strengthen their leadership position in air logistics but also contribute to further facilitating global trade. The delivery of new Boeing 777 freighters in the coming years will be instrumental in achieving this growth trajectory.
Nigeria is another key market for Emirates SkyCargo, and their recent resumption of operations in Lagos underscores their commitment to this strategically important country. They are working closely with Nigerian authorities to ensure smooth operations and are looking to expand their capacity in the near future. The company recognizes the significant growth potential in the Nigerian market, both for passenger and cargo services. The main exports from Nigeria transported by Emirates SkyCargo are perishables, such as kolanuts, fruits, and vegetables.
The contribution of cargo revenue to Emirates Airlines’ overall financial performance is growing steadily. While the exact figures are not publicly disclosed, cargo revenue represents a healthy and increasingly significant portion of the total revenue. The growth in e-commerce, perishable goods, and pharmaceutical shipments is driving this positive trend. The investment in a state-of-the-art cargo hub at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport further strengthens Emirates SkyCargo’s position in the global airfreight market.
Emirates SkyCargo’s dedication to Africa goes beyond simply moving goods. They are invested in building long-term partnerships, fostering innovation, and supporting the continent’s economic growth. While the pandemic has brought numerous challenges, it has also underscored the critical role of air cargo in maintaining global supply chains, particularly for essential goods like pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Emirates SkyCargo has risen to this challenge, investing heavily in infrastructure and specialized handling capabilities to ensure the safe and reliable transportation of these vital supplies.
