**Nairobi**: Emirates SkyCargo reinforces its position in Africa’s perishable cargo market, with plans for fleet expansion and enhanced cold chain logistics. With Nairobi as its primary hub, the airline aims to support local exporters while ensuring efficient operations amidst ongoing logistical challenges.
Emirates SkyCargo has highlighted its significant role in the perishable cargo market in Africa as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing freight services across the continent and beyond. Lister, Senior Vice President for Cargo Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, conveyed these insights during an interview with Chinedu Eze at the Air Cargo Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Emirates SkyCargo initiated its operations in Africa in Cairo in 1986, shortly after the airline itself was established. Today, the airline operates 172 passenger flights and eight freighter services weekly, covering 20 gateways across the continent. “Our main market is Nairobi,” Lister explained, noting that the city accounts for 33% of their total cargo volume from Africa, followed by Johannesburg at 18% and Cape Town at 12%.
The primary focus of Emirates SkyCargo’s operations in Africa involves the export of fresh produce, which includes a variety of food items such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Notably, the organisation has expanded its cargo capabilities to facilitate the shipment of perishable goods from as far south as Namibia. Lister emphasised the strategic significance of maintaining capacity in Africa, especially as some other carriers have reduced their presence in the region due to increased operational costs associated with the rise of e-commerce in other markets.
In his discussion, Lister underscored the ongoing investment in cargo capacity with plans to increase the fleet of dedicated freighters in the coming decade. “We will increase our freighters by more than 15,” he remarked. This is intended to bolster support for farmers and growers in Africa, ensuring a reliable mechanism for exporting perishable goods globally. He added that Africa remains the airline’s largest perishable market, with annual exports reaching approximately 95,000 tons, which equates to around 95 million kilos of cargo.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates SkyCargo faced significant challenges, particularly with logistics and supply chain disruptions that halted the movement of goods worldwide. In response, the airline adapted its passenger fleet, including the use of Boeing 777-300Rs as “mini freighters” to resume operations. Lister noted that this period highlighted the essential nature of robust logistics, stating, “Logistics was a small component before COVID-19… but the minute you turn it off, people then realise the impact.”
To ensure the successful transit of perishables, Emirates SkyCargo invests heavily in maintaining the integrity of the cold chain, which is crucial for preserving the quality of fresh produce during transport. The airline makes significant use of cold storage facilities, including the largest cold chain facility in the world located in Dubai, and employs cool dollies to protect cargo during vulnerable moments, such as time spent on the tarmac.
Emirates SkyCargo also engages numerous local handling agents across Africa to facilitate operations. Lister explained the importance of partnerships in the cargo industry, stating that the airline relies on established local partners to handle its cargo efficiently and effectively.
Looking ahead, Lister discussed how Emirates SkyCargo prepares for potential outbreaks of diseases, such as Ebola and Marburg, highlighting the importance of having a robust infrastructure and operational protocols in place. He acknowledged the lessons learned from earlier global health crises and emphasised the significance of prioritising pharmaceuticals and vaccines during emergencies.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates SkyCargo became a major transporter of vaccines to Africa, demonstrating its ability to adapt and innovate under pressure. “We are the biggest mover of vaccines in the world and predominantly the largest place we move vaccines to was Africa,” Lister noted.
Overall, Emirates SkyCargo’s leadership has expressed their commitment to growing operations in Africa, focusing particularly on the export of perishable goods while preparing efficiently for future challenges in logistics and supply chain management.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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