New Emirates Route to Boost Iraq Trade

Emirates SkyCargo will be adding further momentum to the surge in trading through Iraq with the launch of its new service to Basra on February 2, offering a new connection for New Zealand businesses.

As Iraq’s recovery gathers pace following a period of sustained investment by major global corporations, Emirates SkyCargo will be transporting 130 tonnes of freight per week between Dubai and Iraq’s largest port, strategically located close to key oil fields.

In addition to transporting equipment for oil and petroleum companies in the belly-hold of an Airbus A330-200, it expects to carry a diverse range of goods from all corners of the globe, including perishable foodstuffs, medical products, car parts, garments, textiles and various electronic items such as mobile phones. Several New Zealand companies are already doing business in Iraq, with products ranging from dairy foods to steel framing systems.

The passenger aircraft, operating four times a week, will also serve the Iraqi diaspora, while goods travelling in the other direction will include petroleum products, grains, wool and dates.

All four daily Emirates flights from New Zealand offer connections at Dubai with the new Basra service.

“With many multinational companies committed to the redevelopment of Iraq’s economy and infrastructure, the trading potential is very clear,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo. “Iraq’s recovery is already well under way and this new trade route will create further opportunity for growth, with businesses now able to establish trade links with the UAE and the other 65 countries on our global network.

“In addition, with speedy delivery guaranteed to hundreds of other points through an extensive network of interline and overland freighting partners, Emirates SkyCargo looks forward to connecting Iraq to the world and contributing to its continued growth.”

Basra will be the first route to be added to the Emirates network in 2011, becoming the airline’s 110th international destination. Geneva and Copenhagen will follow on June 1 and August 1 respectively and as the airline’s fleet of 152 aircraft grows after the delivery of several of the 200 aircraft it has on order, further route announcements are expected.

The service will operate in a three-class configuration - First Class, Business Class and Economy Class - on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and in a two-class configuration - Business Class and Economy Class - on Mondays.

ENDS

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