Emirates SkyCargo supports Sri Lankan exporters’ supply chain
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Cargo flight on April 27
Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has helped Sri Lankan exporters despatch nearly 100 tonnes of local produce to markets in Europe, West Asia and Asia over the past two weeks, keeping supply chains and revenue flows open despite the suspension of scheduled passenger flights from Colombo.
The cargo airline deployed two Boeing 777-300 passenger aircraft operating as freighters to support exporters of perishables achieve speed to market and deliver products in pristine condition, the airline said in a media release.
The cargo transported by Emirates SkyCargo on April 15 and 27 comprised mainly fish, fruit, vegetables and betel leaves to markets such as Zurich, Paris, Frankfurt, London, Brussels, Dubai, Karachi and Lahore.
“We are working hard to mitigate, as much as possible, the debilitating effects on Sri Lankan exporters of the disruption of markets and transport logistics due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kapila Santhapriya, Emirates’ Cargo Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “In good times, Emirates SkyCargo transports more than 20 per cent of all the goods Sri Lanka exports by air. We will continue to operate passenger freighters in keeping with the demand from exporters.”
An important facilitator of international trade, Emirates SkyCargo is currently operating scheduled cargo flights as well as charters using its Boeing 777-F freighters and Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to close to 60 global destinations.