Having deep ties with India, dating back to the airline’s first flight in 1985, Emirates SkyCargo, the airfreight division of Emirates, is poised for a substantial surge in the export of perishable goods from the country in the coming years. The expected boom in the sector comes on the heels of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022.
Supported by the airfreight industry, India and the UAE hope this deal will unlock the potential presented by India’s role in producing and exporting perishables, including medicine and food around the globe.
Across five years, the agreement is expected to boost trade between India and the UAE from $60 billion to $100 billion in five years, improving tariffs, eliminating duties, and fast-tracking approvals for pharmaceuticals within the UAE, creating a world of opportunities for exporters in both countries.
Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said: “While the UAE and India have always enjoyed a thriving trade relationship, the landmark signing of CEPA in 2022 marked a new era of opportunity. Leveraging almost four decades of market insight, knowledge and strong customer relationships, we are well positioned to facilitate the significant increase in cross-border trade, not just from India to the UAE but across our vast network of over 140 destinations, via Dubai.”
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Volumes on the rise
India plays a crucial role in Emirates SkyCargo’s pharma network, with the top three lane pairs for pharmaceutical shipments originating from India. In 2023, India was the largest single country uplift for pharma with over 27 million kilogrammes transported across the year. Operating five weekly Boeing 777 freighters and flying regularly to the country, Emirates SkyCargo utilises the belly space of over 167 weekly passenger flights to nine Indian cities.
Every day, Emirates SkyCargo transports an average of 800 tonnes of perishables from agricultural markets, including India, witnessing a significant 60% year-on-year increase.
Currently, pharmaceutical products constitute 21% of the airline’s consignment from India, with perishables such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers accounting for 28%. Given the growing partnership between the UAE and India, these figures are expected to only grow further.
Sultan continued, “Our products remain in high demand with global customers as they are tailor-made to solve transportation challenges within industries. While perishables and pharmaceuticals are common commodities from India, we have seen a surge in gems and jewellery, with designers and manufacturers capitalising on the advantages unlocked by CEPA. Whether transporting precious and highly delicate pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive perishable foodstuffs, or valuable gems and precious metals, Emirates SkyCargo ensures fit-for-purpose solutions that are rooted in speed, reliability and efficiency.”
