Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, launched Emirates SkyFresh, a suite of solutions that help maintain the freshness of perishables and fresh consumables during transportation.
Emirates SkyFresh brings together Emirates SkyCargos infrastructure at its hub in Dubai, a modern fleet of wide-bodied aircraft including freighters, a range of cool chain solutions including the brand new Ventilated Cool Dolly, and experienced staff to ensure that perishables such as fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood, meat, and flowers maintain their freshness during the entire air transportation process, said a statement from the carrier.
Emirates SkyFresh will feature three levels – Emirates SkyFresh, Emirates SkyFresh Breathe, and Emirates SkyFresh Active – offering varied levels of cool chain protection for different kinds of perishables, it said.
The solution is geared towards temperature tolerant fruits and vegetables and will offer quick ramp transportation and thermal protection through Emirates SkyCargos White Cover blanket. Emirates SkyFresh Breathe provides protection for temperature sensitive perishables such as fresh cut flowers, ready to sell cut fruits and vegetables, and fresh fish.
Unique features will include prioritised ground handling as well as the use of the Emirates SkyFresh Ventilated Cool Dolly. Emirates SkyFresh Active will offer the highest protection for perishables that cannot withstand any temperature deviation using specialised temperature controlled containers during transportation.
The Emirates SkyFresh Ventilated Cool Dolly is Emirates SkyCargos latest cool chain protection product which helps preserve the freshness of perishables that require constant circulation of fresh cool air. It not only maintains a constant temperature while transporting cargo, but also has a ventilation system that allows it to bring in fresh air from outside. The fresh air is then cleaned using custom built filters, cooled and then circulated inside the refrigerated interior where the temperature sensitive perishable cargo is stored. It also features aluminium and PU insulated panels and can carry a weight of up to 16 tonnes, and can fit a variety of belly hold/ lower deck Unit Loading Devices (ULDs), including pallets, in its interior.
In 2016, Emirates SkyCargo transported close to 400,000 tonnes of perishables across its global network of over 150 destinations. This included products as diverse as salmon from Norway, strawberries from California, flowers from Ecuador, meat from Australia, mangoes from the Indian subcontinent, aand wine and cheese from France.
Emirates SkyCargo operates a modern fleet of 259 wide-bodied aircraft including 15 freighters- 13 Boeing 777-Fs and two B747-400ERFs, it said. The carrier boasts cool chain facilities at its Emirates SkyCentral cargo hubs at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central including over 25,000 sqm of dedicated temperature controlled storage space and dedicated reefer trucks operating 24/7 between Dubai World Central and Dubai International airport, it stated.