Emirates SkyCargo to begin Atlanta service

3/29/2014 8:55:52 AM

Emirates SkyCargo will begin service to Atlanta on April 6.

Initially, Emirates will operate a B777 freighter flight weekly between Atlanta and Dubai. The new service is expected to have up to US$6 million (4.3 million euros) in annual economic effect in metro Atlanta.

“I am thrilled to welcome Emirates SkyCargo to Atlanta,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “Emirates’ decision to operate a direct route from Dubai to Atlanta further elevates Atlanta as a globally competitive city and also grows our cargo capacity significantly.”

The announcement was made at Hartsfield-Jackson’s sixth annual Air Cargo Appreciation Day.

“Emirates is now the 11th cargo carrier with service to Atlanta,” Hartsfield-Jackson interim general manager Miguel Southwell said. “At Hartsfield-Jackson, we are focused on expanding our reach by responding to the needs of our customers and providing more opportunities for economic growth. By forging new partnerships – such as today’s announcement with Emirates – we are moving forward in becoming one of the world’s premier logistical hubs.”

Hartsfield-Jackson ranks tenth in volume of cargo transported among North American airports.

“The United States is a very important growth market for Emirates SkyCargo, with Atlanta being a major commercial and aviation hub,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo. “The introduction of a weekly freighter service will create new opportunities for our customers across our worldwide network, especially the Middle East, Asia and Africa, as well as for businesses in the greater Atlanta area.”

In 2013, Georgia’s exports to the Middle East increased by 66.4 percent to US$2.24 billion (1.6 billion euros) compared to 2010.