Emirates helps maintain food supplies into the UAE

Emirates SkyCargo, freighter division of Emirates airline, has utilised the cargo capacity on its Boeing 777 freighter and Boeing 777-300ER passenger freighter aircraft to help maintain and replenish food supplies in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Dubai-based air cargo carrier has helped import more than 34,000 tonnes of food into the country between January and April 2020, out of which 13,000 tonnes were imported between March and April, said a press statement received on Friday.

In the month of April alone, Emirates SkyCargo helped bring in food supplies into the UAE from over 35 countries around the world, the statement added.

"We have given top importance to maintain food supplies in the UAE as we consider this our responsibility. Through our regular cargo flights from major food production markets such as Australia, Egypt, India, Kenya, Pakistan and many other nations, we have been able to import quality food items. This has helped keep store shelves in the UAE well stocked with the familiar and comfort food items," said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

According the statement, the Emirates SkyCargo is currently operating flights to around 60 global destinations on a scheduled basis and to many more destinations as charter and ad hoc flights.

In addition to securing UAE food supplies, Emirates SkyCargo also provides a boost to the local economies of the various countries it operates to by providing a lifeline for the agricultural and other produce exporters.