Emirates SkyCargo start first-ever direct air link between Dubai and mainland China

Emirates SkyCargo will start cargo flights on September 15 between Dubai and Shanghai, mainland China's leading commercial centre, using a Boeing 747-400 freighter with its 120-tonne capacity.  

The weekly flights, on Sundays, will be the first-ever direct air link between Dubai and mainland China and will give shippers and freight forwarders at both ends of the route fast, convenient connections to each other's markets.

Fast transit times at Emirates' Dubai hub will give Shanghai shippers and freight forwarders swift and easy access not just to Gulf markets but also to points throughout the Middle East and Africa. 

The Emirates SkyCargo Centre, the airline's cargo hub at its Dubai base station, is tailor-made to handle large quantities of transit shipments. Aircraft to aircraft transfers take as little as 45 minutes. 

Shanghai will be Emirates' second cargo-only route, after Amsterdam. The award-winning airline already flies freighters between Dubai and Amsterdam and Dubai and Hong Kong, as well as ad hoc charters. It is increasing Amsterdam services from four to five a week. 

Ram Menen, Director Cargo, said: "Over the next decade, China will be one of the world’s highest growth areas. Its entry into the World Trade Organisation means there will be great streamlining in how business is done. It is now a major economic power."

Shanghai shippers will benefit from Emirates SkyCargo's award-winning products and services, including its state-of-the-art SkyChain logistics management system. Emirates SkyCargo confirmed its place as a market leader  by launching SkyChain, the world’s most advanced cargo automation system. 

Thanks to SkyChain’s Online communications module, customers can communicate with any party to a shipment via the internet, email or mobile phone. 

Emirates SkyCargo utilises the cargo holds of Emirates’ passenger aircraft as  well as two leased freighters, a Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 747-200. Delivery anywhere in the world is guaranteed thanks to interline agreements  and road feeder services.  

The division has innovation, flexibility and personal service at the heart of its operational philosophy, specialising in on-time delivery of time-sensitive  consignments.