Emirates SkyCargo Strengthens Trade Links Between UAE and Brazil

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, has launched a new service to meet the demands of the bustling UAE-Brazil trade route.

From today, a Boeing 747-400F – with a capacity of 117 tonnes – will operate weekly between Dubai and São Paulo, providing much needed support to the thriving import and export industry generated by South America’s largest city.

“Brazil is a major force in food production – exporting items such as meat, fruit, sugar, coffee and dairy products – so strengthening our commitment to São Paulo with the introduction of the world’s most advanced long-range freighter was an easy decision to make,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

Emirates has been operating a passenger service to São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, with a weekly cargo capacity of 105 tonnes each way in the bellyhold, since 2007. The new service – to Viracopos-Campinas International Airport – will operate via Frankfurt, Germany, on the outbound journey and return through Dakar, Senegal, the most recent addition to Emirates’ network of 108 destinations.

With exports from the UAE to Brazil having increased by 79 per cent in the last two years, according to Dubai Export Development Corporation figures, the increase in cargo capacity is expected to fuel further growth.

“Brazil is recognised as one of the world’s 10 leading economies,” added Mr Menen. “And, with a population of almost 200 million driving its consumer market, is tipped to become increasingly more powerful over the next decade.

“This economic strength means Brazil will play a pivotal part to the future growth of the world economy, making it a key trade route with tremendous scope for growth.”

Dubai Export Development Corporation also believes the addition of São Paulo to Emirates SkyCargo’s network of 25 scheduled freighter destinations will provide significant business opportunities for local companies, especially in sectors where the UAE has competitive advantages, such gold and jewellery, building and construction, plastics and packaging, and food processing.

“The introduction of the weekly freighter service from Dubai to São Paulo will play a vital role in further growing UAE’s exports to Brazil, where more than 12 million Brazilians are of Arab origin, and South America in general,” said Chief Executive Officer Engr Saed Al Awadi.

“Based on our findings, it is apparent that both regions have complementary economic strengths and by providing more connectivity, trade will grow and we will all benefit economically.”

From São Paulo, goods such as furniture, clothing, machine tools, medical devices, manufacturing equipment, toiletries and foodstuffs – including meat, hatching eggs and fruits, soy beans, sugar and coffee – will be distributed to locations across Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.

From Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo will provide another link to Europe and South America for the vast volume of electronic consumer goods and garments exported from the Far East and the Indian subcontinent, while freight from Frankfurt will include car parts, machinery and a diverse range of general merchandise.

Emirates SkyCargo recently appointed AGUNSA and Globe Air Cargo as general sales agents (GSA) in Chile and Colombia respectively. Strong demand in the Middle East and Far East for perishables, such as fresh fish and fruits, from the two countries represents a significant opportunity for Emirates. This cargo is transported on interline partner airlines to São Paulo, where it is then flown by Emirates SkyCargo to Dubai and other export markets.