Emirates SkyCargo suspends all cargo operations at DWC

Emirates is to operate all of its cargo operations from Dubai International Airport after temporarily suspending operations at Al Maktoum airport from April 1.

Emirates’s SkyCargo freighter aircraft are usually deployed from Al Maktoum.

“The move will help the air cargo carrier streamline cargo operations between its freighter flights and the new dedicated cargo flights being offered on Emirates’ passenger aircraft fleet,” Emirates said in a statement.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic which has grounded all of Emirates’ passenger fleet, the airline said that Emirates SkyCargo is having to adapt, reinvent its operations and its network to transport essential commodities.

Emirates will “support economies and help businesses around the world maintain continuity by keeping global supply chains up and running”.

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It has introduced cargo flights using Boeing 777 passenger aircraft, offering around 40 tons of lower deck cargo capacity.

The cargo-only flights are scheduled to operate to more than 30 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.

“As an extremely agile and customer-focused business, we have been able to establish a new network and schedule for our cargo operations within a very short period of time, utilising lower deck capacity on our widebody Boeing 777 passenger aircraft which supplement the cargo capacity we offer on our freighter aircraft,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo.

On Tuesday, the Dubai Government pledged financial support for Emirates with an equity injection into the state-owned company.

The UAE suspended passenger flights for a two-week period starting from March 25 to limit the spread of the virus.

Emirates temporarily reduced employee wages by 25 to 50 per cent as part of efforts to preserve cash.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan said further details of the government assistance would be announced at a later stage.