After the launch of daily passenger service from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) International airports from 2nd February and 1st March respectively, Emirates SkyCargo will connect seven points in North America with trade prospects in more than 100 destinations worldwide.

"Our daily, non-stop flights from DFW and SEA will offer the fastest routes to the Middle East and beyond," said Ram Menen, Emirates' Senior Divisional Vice President Cargo. "We look forward to helping more American firms enhance their trade ties not only with the UAE, but also with markets in parts of South Asia, such as China, South Korea and Japan, and numerous points throughout Emirates' extensive network in India and Africa."

Air cargo being transported on Emirates' flights departing the U.S will be handled at the airline's Cargo Mega Terminal, housed at its state-of-the-art hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB), a location within eight hours of two-thirds of the world's population.

"When combined with the efficiency of one of the youngest fleets in the skies, unrivalled ground-handling facilities, and the very latest information technology at our Cargo Mega Terminal, Emirates SkyCargo is the ideal partner for Dallas/Fort Worth and Seattle-based businesses as they look to boost trade," added Menen.

The airline's expansion will help facilitate the growth of trade in the Seattle metropolitan area that produced US$ 24.2 billion in total exports and US$2.7 billion in United Arab Emirates exports in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Texas exports to the UAE also expect significant growth, having reached over $1.7 billion in 2009 - an increase of more than 192 per cent since 2002.*

International cargo being exported from Dallas/Fort Worth will include oilfield equipment, electronic parts, computers, cell phones, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals; heading for markets across the Emirates network, from the UAE to Australia, India and Uganda. Leading import commodities such as communications equipment, automotive components, apparel and fabrics will come from a range of markets including Taiwan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.

Exports on the Seattle route are expected to include fresh fruits and vegetables, electrical equipment and machinery, as well as medical equipment and aircraft parts, which will be transported to the UAE and surrounding destinations in the Middle East. China and South Korea will also be key trading partners, with leading imported commodities set to consist of electronic equipment, footwear and apparel.

Emirates' DFW and SEA services join existing operations from New York (JFK), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), as well as Toronto (YYZ) in Canada, further strengthening trade ties between North America, the UAE and points throughout Emirates' network of 121 destinations, which will be bolstered in coming months with a further three routes - Seattle (1st March), Ho Chi Minh City (4th June), Barcelona (3rd July) and Lisbon (9th July).

- Ends -

Notes to Editors:
*Source: Brookings Institution Study

About Emirates SkyCargo:
Emirates SkyCargo is the freight division of Emirates. Reflecting Emirates' overall policy of excellence in every area of operation, Emirates SkyCargo's investment in highly-qualified staff, the very latest information technology, the most efficient aircraft and the finest ground handling facilities - including its priority cargo service -  has made it a significant force in the global air cargo industry.

In the 2010-11 financial year, Emirates SkyCargo carried 1.8 million tonnes of cargo across its network, contributing 17.4 per cent of the airline's total transport revenue. Based out of Dubai International Airport, its Cargo Mega Terminal is designed to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo a year.

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