Emirates SkyCargo is predicting more positive times ahead following the challenges of 2016, senior vice president cargo of operations worldwide, Henrik Ambak (pictured) explains.
He says 2017 has been positive following the weak start to 2016, followed by a very good peak season.
The outlook for 2017 is looking good, something he feels is essential to get yields back to what he calls a “sustainable level”.
Ambak explains: “It seems like we are getting into a more positive period. It is not always easy to explain, normally consultants would talk about stock levels and some of this logic does not play out the way they should but the market right now seems to have a good forward demand.”
Emirates SkyCargo has been launching new products and signed a strategic operational partnership with Cargolux Airlines International.
Under the agreement, Emirates will have access to Cargolux’s Boeing 747 Freighters, both airlines will develop block space and interline agreements and both airlines will be handled at the same facilities in Luxembourg and Dubai.
Ambak says: “For us it is a question of how do we grow into the future. It gives us access to grow dynamically working with a partner that operates a vast fleet of freighters. We can grow the capacity we use by using their fleet.”
Emirates SkyCargo has also launched new products including Emirates SkyFresh for perishable cargo.
Ambak says SkyFresh came off the back of SkyPharma, and says: “We saw an increase in verticalisation of air cargo, customers have specific needs of specific types of products requiring special treatment.”
Ambak also confirms that Emirates SkyCargo is not planning to pursue IATA CEIV Pharma certification.
He says: “In the summer of 2015 we contacted big pharma companies and big forwarders and gave them a choice between GDP and CEIV, and they chose GDP.”
Ambak predicts a strong future with its two hubs at Dubai International Airport for passenger aircraft with bellyhold capacity and Dubai World Central for freighter aircraft.
Emirates SkyCargo is transporting 1,000 tonnes of cargo a day between the two airports via trucking services.
He says Dubai’s location means it can provide connections with emerging markets.
“The African market is starting to grow and we see growth between Asia and Africa so in terms of geography we are in a unique position that automatically helps Emirates.”
