DUBAI's Emirates SkyCargo has launched a new service expanding and existing UAE-Africa trade route, deploying a Boeing 747-400F to operate into Ghana to service the country's thriving export economy, reports the UK's Transport Intelligence.

    "Ghana is booming, exporting oil and gas equipment, pineapples, mangoes, a variety of vegetables, fresh fish and lobster, so strengthening our commitment to West Africa with the introduction of this weekly freighter makes great business sense," said Emirates cargo planning vice president Hiran Perera.

    The 117-tonne capacity freighter will operate Fridays from Dubai to Ghana. This augments Emirates' Airbus A330-200 passenger service to Accra since 2004 with its weekly bellyhold capacity of 120 tonnes.

    The new service - to Kotoka International Airport - will operate via Lome, Togo, on the outbound journey and return to Dubai through Frankfurt.

    "Africa is a key market. We already operate to 20 locations and with Harare and Lusaka set to join our network in February. We look forward to expanding our network of more than 110 destinations," Mr Perera said.

    Goods from Ghana will be distributed from Dubai to locations across the Middle East, Europe, the Far East and the US. Goods going into Ghana include electrical equipment, clothing and mobile phones from the Far East and pharmaceuticals from Europe. Frankfurt cargo to Dubai includes car parts, machinery and general merchandise.

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