Emirates SkyCargo to start daily Cape Town service on March 30

Dubai: When Emirates flight 770 takes to the skies on March 30 it will be a momentous occasion for Emirates SkyCargo.

With the launch of the daily service to Cape Town, the freight arm of the Dubai-based carrier will further strengthen its long relationship with South African traders.

Trade between the two countries has grown steadily since services between the UAE and South Africa were inaugurated 13 years ago. In 2006 it crossed the Dh2 billion ($562 million) mark.

Peter Sedgley, Emirates Senior Vice-President Cargo Commercial Operations, said: "Emirates SkyCargo regards the South African market as vital. Testimony to this are the two Boeing 747 freighters we operate into Johannesburg each week, as well as the belly capacity on our 21 passenger flights. We have enjoyed excellent relationships with South African shippers for more than a decade which we look forward to growing with the introduction of non-stop services to Cape Town."

Emirates SkyCargo has carried an average of 12 tonnes a week from Cape Town through its road feeder services to Johannesburg, however with the new direct flights this figure is expected to increase to at least 50 tonnes per week.

Cape Town marks Emirates SkyCargo's 18th African destination, including freighter services to Johannesburg, Lilongwe, Nairobi, Entebbe, Eldoret, Lagos, Djibouti and Khartoum.