Emirates SkyCargo added Los Angeles to its network of freighter destinations, with the start of a weekly service to the city.
Los Angeles joined Chicago, Atlanta and Houston in Emirates SkyCargo’s U.S. freighter network. Emirates SkyCargo also has belly-hold cargo services to Los Angeles and eight other U.S. cities.
“We have a network of 10 key cities across the United States, which enables us to provide broad access to the world’s largest economy for businesses across our network, and for American businesses in other parts of the world. The U.S. economy is rebounding and we are seeing an upswing in the demand for air cargo services,” said Hiran Perera, Emirates senior vice president cargo planning and freighters.
Emirates SkyCargo uses a Boeing 777 freighter on the route, which is capable of carrying 103 tonnes of cargo, and with its main deck door being the widest of any freighter, it’s able to uplift outsized cargo and carry larger consignments.
“Los Angeles ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in the amount of air cargo tonnage processed, and handled over 1.9 million tonnes of air cargo valued at nearly US$87 billion in 2012, which is indicative of its importance as an air cargo hub. We anticipate good growth out of Los Angeles,” Perera said.
The top exports from Los Angeles are 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.
“Los Angeles International Airport is the primary cargo airport serving Southern California. We welcome Emirates SkyCargo to our region’s vast air cargo-handling network of airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers and cargo facilities,” Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, the City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International Airport, said. “We look forward to the economic benefits Emirates SkyCargo’s weekly freighter service will provide.”