Emirates SkyCargo has reaffirmed its nearly four-decade commitment to the continent at Air Cargo Africa in Nairobi.
Moving an average of 3,820 tonnes of cargo weekly, the airline supports African trade by connecting manufacturers, traders, and exporters to global markets.
“Africa has been a priority for Emirates SkyCargo since 1986,” said Khalid Al Hinai, VP Cargo Commercial – Africa, UAE, and Middle East.
He emphasised the potential of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost regional and international trade and reiterated the airline’s commitment to connecting underserved markets to global supply chains.
Since its first flight to Cairo in 1986, Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its African operations to include eight weekly freighters and 172 passenger flights serving 20 destinations.
Its global network of over 145 destinations facilitates efficient transport of goods to and from Africa.
In 2024, Emirates SkyCargo exported over 91,930 tonnes of perishable goods from Africa, including strawberries, seafood, chilled meat, fresh fruits, and bananas.
The airline utilizes specialized packaging and temperature-controlled transport to preserve these goods.
Emirates SkyCargo plays a key role in Kenya’s horticulture sector, particularly its flower export industry. Operating a twice-weekly freighter service from Nairobi to Maastricht, the airline transports fresh-cut flowers from farm to florist in as little as 24 hours.
Beyond agriculture, Emirates SkyCargo supports Africa’s growing industrial manufacturing sector with tailored logistics solutions, anticipating increased demand driven by AfCFTA.