Emirates SkyCargo has signed a memorandum of understanding with Air Canada Cargo, building on the two airlines’ strategic commercial partnership announced last year.
The two carriers will work closely on initiatives including expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements, pending any required regulatory approvals. The aim is to offer freight customers access to more capacity on a combined global network.
Air Canada Cargo will have access to Emirates SkyCargo’s network through the belly-hold of Emirates scheduled passenger flights to over 140 global destinations, as well as the additional capacity offered by 11 freighters currently. In return, SkyCargo will have access to over 60 cities in Canada and more than 150 cities across five continents through Air Canada Cargo’ Boeing 767 freighters and the belly-hold capacity of its scheduled passenger flights.
Both airlines bring particular experience in handling unique cargo, such as oil and gas drilling equipment, car parts and pharmaceuticals.
Emirates SkyCargo signed a similar MoU with United Cargo in the US in September last year.
Managing director, commercial, at Air Canada Cargo, Matthieu Casey, commented: “This agreement enables both carriers to work more closely to optimize our respective freighter and belly capacity throughout each of our extensive and complementing global networks. Customers will benefit from these additional synergies by having access to an even greater array of options, destinations and streamlined handling when shipping globally.”
His Emirates counterpart, divisional senior vice president, cargo, Nabil Sultan, added: “Emirates SkyCargo is committed to being a leading player in the global air cargo industry providing our customers with the highest standards of products and services. Cooperating with Air Canada Cargo will offer our clients added value through more rapid reach to new destinations in Canada via our Toronto and US gateways.”
