Emirates SkyCargo, the freight unit of Dubai carrier Emirates, has announced plans to launch four weekly flights to the Australian city of Adelaide starting from November 1.

The new operation will significantly boost trade between South Australia and Dubai carrying up to 14 tonnes of freight per flight, said a statement from Emirates SkyCargo.

The additional 56 tonnes will take the weekly capacity to and from Australia to 1500 tonnes and Emirates SkyCargo’s capacity – which includes three freighter services from Sydney each week - will be further strengthened from March 1, when Dubai flights to Australia rise to 84 per week, it stated.

The flights to Adelaide will be operated with a B777-300ER, and will rise to a daily service from February 1, further cementing Emirates’ commitment to Australia.

The flight EK440 will take off from Dubai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 1.55am and arrive in Adelaide at 8.45pm. The return flight leaves Adelaide at 10.45pm and arrives in Dubai at 5.25am the next day.

The new South Australian gateway will connect businesses with the key trade hub of Dubai and onwards to more than 100 destinations on the Emirates network, boosting growth for Adelaide and its manufacturing, agriculture and mining intensive economy, said a top official.

“We expect demand to be strong for a variety of commodities going into and out of Adelaide and Dubai, and are keen to build on our role as the first carrier to link Australia and the Middle East with direct services,” remarked Ram Menen, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president cargo.

Australia was ranked the 16th highest trading partner of the UAE, exporting $2.19 million worth of goods in 2010-2011; a growth of 11.3 per cent year on year.

In the UAE, with its substantial expat community and diversification into an immense trading port, there is a continued demand for foodstuffs which aren’t easily produced locally, such as organic farm produce and cold meats.

Emirates SkyCargo will move a mixture of commodities from its new port to Dubai and onwards, including such perishable goods such as meat, fruit, vegetables, dairy and eggs.

Other key industry areas in South Australia that will benefit from the comprehensive Emirates route network include building supplies, machine parts, cosmetics and oils and resins.

From Dubai to Adelaide, imports freighted with Emirates SkyCargo are expected to include electronic equipment such as computers and mobile phones from Asian ports, as well as European destinations.

“To date, Emirates SkyCargo has carried over 357,000 tonnes of Australian exports,” said Menen.-TradeArabia News Service