Emirates SkyCargo (Dubai), the freight division of Emirates has added Los Angeles to its network of freighter destinations across the United States, with the start of a weekly service to the city.

Los Angeles recently joined Chicago (O’Hare), Atlanta and Houston (Bush Intercontinental) in Emirates SkyCargo’s US freighter network.

Emirates SkyCargo uses a Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft on the route, which is capable of carrying 103 tonnes of cargo, and with its main deck door being the widest of any freighter aircraft, it’s able to uplift outsized cargo and carry larger consignments. The top exports from Los Angeles are mainly perishables ranging from fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, chilled and frozen meat and seafood, foodstuffs, as well as personal effects, construction equipment and electrical products, while top imports range from textiles, to perishables, electronics and personal effects.

In 2013, Emirates SkyCargo transported a total of 49 000 tons of cargo from the United States, equalling a 134 tons a day, while it carries more than 940 tons of cargo from the US to various points across the world each week. The top three exports from the US are machinery, construction equipment and electrical products and its three top imports are apparel, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals.

The LAX flight is routed Dubai – Zaragoza – Mexico City – Los Angeles – Copenhagen – Dubai.

In other news, parent Emirates and Arik Air (Lagos) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop and expand their existing commercial relationship and explore further areas of co-operation.

Emirates and Arik Air currently have a one-way interline agreement, whereby Emirates passengers are connected throughout Nigeria and West Africa via Arik Air’s current domestic and regional network.
The MOU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Planning, Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, and Chris Ndlulue, Arik Air’s Managing Director, at Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai.

Emirates and Arik Air will also explore other areas of cooperation for the future, including frequent flier programs, passenger and cargo handling.

Arik Air is the largest airline in Western and Central Africa and has developed and successfully operates an extensive domestic route network in Nigeria, and regionally across Western Africa from its twin hubs in Lagos and Abuja, and to Johannesburg in South Africa and intercontinentally to New York and to London from its Lagos hub.

Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft and Airbus A380s.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-1F1H A6-BFI (msn 25609) approaches Dubai.

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