Emirates SkyCargo launches four times weekly service to Adelaide

EMIRATES has launched a four times weekly Boeing 777-300ER service to Adelaide from Dubai, a decision driven an 11.3 per cent year-on-year increase in Australian exports to the United Arab Emirates in 2010-2011.

Perishables, fruit, meat, vegetables and eggs together with building supplies, machine parts, cosmetics, oils and resins appear to be the most promising cargo, said an Emirates statement.

"We expect demand to be strong for a variety of commodities going in and out of Adelaide and Dubai, and are keen to build on our role as the first carrier to link Australia and the Middle East with direct services," said Emirates vice president and cargo chief Ram Menen.

The new route, which initially elevates the carrier's weekly freight capacity by 56 tonnes, will be served by daily flights starting in February.

Emirates also serves Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Europe and Latin America are also in the carrier's plans, Mr Menen told Atlanta-area Air Cargo World.

After launching Madrid service in 2011, Emirates SkyCargo commenced serving the Spanish capital with a second freighter. Rising demand prompted another decision to add a nonstop service to Lisbon in July, six days after it launched cargo flights to Barcelona.

Mr Menen cited the carrier's new services to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, which he said show immense growth potential.