Emirates SkyCargo said it helped maintain food supplies and support farming communities across the globe during the pandemic as it continues to transport perishables as it grew its network from just around 35 destinations on its freighter aircraft in March to more than 130 destinations by early October on its freighter as well as passenger aircraft. 

Its first freighter flight took off from Guadalajara, Mexico, at the start of the month, containing several tonnes of avocadoes and other vegetables grown and harvested in Mexico and destined for supermarket shelves in Europe and the Middle East.

In Kenya, Emirates’ 10 weekly flights in October 2020 from Nairobi airport transported fresh fruits and vegetables bound for Dubai on to regional markets in the Middle East and onwards to Europe.

Emirates’ flights taking off from Australia and New Zealand carry meat and a range of fruits including grapes and watermelons heading towards international markets.

Emirates SkyCargo also noted that it carries coconuts and jackfruit from Thailand, mangoes from India, sweet potatoes from Egypt, blueberries from the UK, cheese from France and Italy, salmon from Norway, cherries from Chile, seafood from Pakistan, bakery products from the Netherlands and tropical fruits from Vietnam every day on Emirates’ flights across its global network of more than 130 destinations across six continents.

Emirates SkyCargo said its global network and flight schedule allowed food items from diverse origins to retain their freshness as they are rapidly transported to their final destinations and the dining tables of consumers.

Boost to farming communities

"The growth of export markets over the last decade has provided a boost to farming communities and agriculture in the various production markets. Emirates SkyCargo’s flights provide a quick and direct connection for farmers and exporters of food items to their international end customers, thereby supporting their livelihoods and the local economy," the cargo airline said.

With the disruption to international passenger aviation brought by COVID-19, the carrier said the supply chain for food products was also put into the risk of disruption.

However, it said that it was able to work "very quickly" to restore its international cargo connectivity, growing its network from just around 35 destinations on its freighter aircraft

at the end of March to more than 130 destinations by early October.

Currently around 500 tonnes of food items are transported every day in the cargo hold of Emirates aircraft across the world.

"As a socially responsible carrier, Emirates SkyCargo has ensured that adequate cargo capacity remains available on its widebody aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic for the transport of urgent medical supplies as well as food items," it said, adding that by doing this, Emirates SkyCargo is able to help countries and supermarkets maintain their food supplies and support farmers reliant on food exports continue to make their livelihoods despite the pandemic.