Emirates SkyCargo is seeing good demand for the import and export of cargo into the Chinese market, as China reopens for business after the Lunar New Year holidays.

In a statement, the air cargo carrier said it operates freighter services to Guangzhou and Shanghai, having resumed these scheduled services after a planned hiatus over the traditionally low-traffic period over the holidays.

“Emirates SkyCargo continues to support trade and movement of goods into the Chinese market and is committed to supporting China’s diverse distribution needs and supply chains through our freighter operations to Shanghai and Guangzhou," said Hiran Perera, Emirates senior vice president, cargo planning & freighters.

“We are a market oriented carrier and are ready to fulfil the growing needs of our customers. We will constantly review our operations to ensure that we are able to support the Chinese market by deploying adequate capacity through our freighters,” he added.

Bellyhold capacity

The Chinese government has earlier extended Lunar holidays in China in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Several other airlines have also decided to reduce or halt flights to the Chinese mainland altogether disrupting the supply chain in and out of China.

“We also continue to carry bellyhold cargo on our double daily flights between Beijing and Dubai,” Perera added.

The flights to China are operated on Emirates’ Boeing 777 freighter aircraft offering a cargo capacity of around 100 tonnes for exports and imports on each flight.

Emirates SkyCargo said commodities being currently transported on the freighter flights include perishable food items, pharma, medical supplies and other general cargo.

Emirates SkyCargo has been continually operating freighter services to Hong Kong and in addition to scheduled services, the carrier also recently operated a charter flight to carry relief materials.