Emirates Introduces Second Shanghai Service

Trade between the Gulf and mainland China has been given a further boost with the provision of Emirates SkyCargo's second weekly freighter flight between Dubai and Shanghai. Emirates plans to launch a passenger service on the route next August.

Both cities are leading commercial centres and the flights provide shippers and freight forwarders at both ends of the route with fast, convenient connections into each other's markets.

"We have introduced a second freighter flight on this route in response to customer demand less than two months after the first flight was launched, such is the growth of trade between the Middle East and mainland China," said Hiran Perera, Emirates' Cargo Planning and Capacity development Manager.

The flights are operated with a Boeing 747-400F with capacity for 120 tonnes and provide the first-ever direct air link between Dubai and mainland China.

Imports into Shanghai include heavy machinery for infrastructure projects, auto parts and packaging materials. Exports comprise general cargo including toys, electronics and time definite items such as computer chips.

Emirates' direct flights considerably reduce transportation costs for shippers. Previously, goods were routed via other points in Asia or, in some cases, even via Europe to the Middle East, Mr Perera added.

Emirates' cargo flights operate every Sunday and Thursday. On Sundays, flights depart Dubai at 0940, arrive Shanghai at 2100, depart Shanghai at 2340 and arrive Dubai at 0510 on Monday (all times local) The Thursday flights depart Dubai at 0545, arrive Shanghai at 1705, depart  Shanghai at 1925 same day and arrives Dubai at 0055 Friday (all times local).

Emirates operates regular cargo-only flights from Dubai to Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Liège, Shanghai and Bangkok.