Emirates freight unit expanding cargo capacity

The freight division of Emirates, a Dubai-based airline, is set to increase the cargo capacity of its Philippine route following the completion of the initial phase of Clark International Airport’s expansion next quarter.

In a statement on Tuesday, Emirates SkyCargo said it would provide more than 160 tons of additional cargo hold capacity per week. It did not provide comparative figures.

It said this would support “Philippine exports of perishables, such as dairy products, fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood and electrical and electronic equipment, and its imports of textiles, apparel, plants, flowers and chemical products.”

The plan comes as Emirates begins daily non-stop flights from Dubai to Clark on Oct. 1.

“Clark International Airport will become Emirates’ second destination (in the Philippines) after Manila, to which Emirates has been operating flights since 1990. Due to demand, it has continued to increase its flight frequency on this route to its current triple daily, non-stop service,” the airline said.

The Department of Transportation and Communications is looking at further expanding Clark airport’s capacity.

The air terminal is located in Pampanga about an hour-and-a-half away from Metro Manila. The DOTC wants to develop Clark airport into a second gateway serving the capital given the  congestion issues at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“The Philippines is a very important market for Emirates SkyCargo,” said Ravishankar Mirle, Emirates vice president for commercial cargo for East and West ASia, Australasia and Indian Ocean.

The expansion will allow the carrier to widen services to customers in Central Luzon. Emirates SkyCargo he said was looking at manufacturers producing hi-tech chips and electronic components.