Emirates SkyCargo today took delivery of the first of its three Airbus A310-300Fs from EADS EFW, at the latter’s facility in Dresden, Germany.
The first delivery was marked by celebrations at Dresden, attended by media, as well as senior management from Emirates and EADS EFW.
At the press conference held earlier today, Ram Menen, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Cargo said: “Today represents a milestone in Emirates SkyCargo’s history. The first A310-300 freighter in our fleet is cause for triple celebrations. It represents the first Airbus freighter in our fleet; the first freighter ever owned by Emirates; and to top it all, we are now the launch customer for Airbus freighters with side-by-side loading capability of 96”x125” pallets.
“Our A310F also has a High Gross Maximum Take-off Weight of 164 tonnes, a significant improvement over other freighter versions. This project also marks a significant collaboration with EADS EFW and we would like to thank them for their proactive approach and schedule integrity.”
He further added that the new aircraft will provide more capacity and better serve Emirates SkyCargo’s customers in its key regional routes in the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia and Africa. Complementing its current fleet of Boeing 747s, the Airbus A310Fs are designed to rationalise payloads, increase flexibility and provide quicker turnarounds. The A310Fs are expected to enhance Dubai’s role as a regional cargo hub.
The wide-bodied A310-300F, with the Emirates SkyCargo logo emblazoned on its body, has a gross payload of 39 tonnes. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the aircraft offers excellent performance capabilities. The aircraft also has Auxiliary Centre Tanks to increase its range, enabling one-stop operations from Dubai to the U.S. and countries in the South Pacific.
Horst Emker, President and CEO of EADS EFW said: “We are very pleased to deliver the first A310-300 freighter to Emirates SkyCargo. It’s a source of great pride to know that the converted Airbus aircraft will be playing a crucial part in the growing international freight routes of a tremendously successful carrier that is Emirates. I know that Emirates SkyCargo will take full advantage of the A310-300 freighter’s great potential.”
The two A310-300Fs on order will enter Emirates’ fleet by the end of the year.
The A310Fs are designed to be A380F-friendly. The A310F’s capability to use standard cargo containers represents maximum interlining potential with Emirates’ two gigantic A380Fs, expected to enter the fleet in 2008. This will reduce the need to re-package shipments, facilitating rapid transfers, providing quicker service and avoiding damage.
The six wet-leased Boeing 747s, the first A310F, and orders for four more Airbus freighters – two A310Fs and two A380Fs – will expand Emirates SkyCargo’s total freighter fleet to eleven aircraft.
About Emirates SkyCargo:
Emirates' 78-strong fleet, which includes 71 wide-bodied passenger jets and seven freighters (one Airbus A310-300F, four Boeing 747-400Fs and two Boeing 747-200Fs) is one of the youngest in the skies. Emirates SkyCargo serves more than 75 destinations in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.
It moved 838,400 tonnes of freight in 2004-05 - an increase of 27 per cent over the previous year - while the division's revenue grew by 42 per cent to Dhs 3.4 billion (US $940 million), accounting for a record 21 per cent of the airline's operating revenue.
In 2005 it has won a clutch of awards: ‘Air Cargo Carrier of the Year’ from IFW, UK (2nd year running); 'Best Air Cargo Carrier - Middle East' from Cargo News Asia (3rd year running); and 'Best Cargo Airline to the Middle East' (17th year running), 'Best Cargo Airline to the Indian subcontinent' (8th year) and 'Best cargo airline to the Far East’ (2nd year) from Air Cargo News.
Emirates SkyCargo's Priority Service assures on-time delivery throughout the world, while the extensive trucking and off-line partner networks ensure comprehensive coverage where customers need it most. SkyChain, the one-stop web shop with many value-added features, enables customers to obtain information as well as transact business online.
About EADS EFW
Within EADS, EFW (Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH) is the centre of competence for the conversion of Airbus passenger aircraft into freighters (A300 & A310 wide body aircraft) and the associated maintenance. As of today, EADS has delivered 114 converted freighters to customers around the world and will add at least another 14 conversions per year in the years to come.
In addition, EFW is the centre of excellence for the manufacture of fibre-reinforced sandwich components for interior furnishings of the entire Airbus aircraft family. EFW is also responsible for development, design and production of cargo compartment linings and floor
