Emirates SkyCargo Appoints New Cargo Manager For Canada

TORONTO, 09 January 2013 - Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing international airlines, has appointed Dileepa Wijesundera as its new Cargo Manager for Canada.

Bringing almost 30 years’ industry experience to the role, Wijesundera will oversee the business in Canada, covering sales, operations and the administration of Emirates SkyCargo services on three weekly flights to and from Toronto, operated by the airline’s flagship Airbus A380.

Wijesundera will bring a wealth of experience to the role, having headed worldwide cargo business for Qatar Airways prior to joining Emirates SkyCargo.

“Returning home to Canada after several years in Doha, I am excited to take on this role for Emirates SkyCargo. The extensive Emirates route network - all operated by wide-body aircraft - opens many opportunities for the Canadian market and I look forward to helping facilitate international trade between businesses in Canada and firms in the 128 destinations we serve,” said Wijesundera.

Emirates operates three flights per week via Dubai and Toronto. Its 191-strong fleet – including nine freighters (currently comprising six Boeing 777-Fs, two B747-400ERFs and one B747-400F) – is one of the youngest in the skies.

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, has made it a significant force in the global air cargo industry.

In the 2011-12 financial year, Emirates SkyCargo carried 1.79 million tonnes of cargo across its network, contributing 16.2 per cent - US$ 2.6 billion - of the airline’s total transport revenue. Based out of Dubai International Airport, its $327million 43,600 square metre Cargo Mega Terminal is designed to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo a year.

Emirates' 191-strong fleet – including nine freighters (currently comprising six Boeing 777-Fs, two B747-400ERFs and one B747-400F) – is one of the youngest in the skies.

In 2012, Emirates has introduced services to Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Dallas, Lusaka, Harare, Liege (freighter-only), Seattle, Ho Chi Minh City, Barcelona, Lisbon, Washington DC, Adelaide, Lyon and Phuket, while  Warsaw (6th February) and Algiers (1st March) will be added in 2013.

Emirates SkyCargo currently serves a global route network that spans 128 points in 74 countries, including 10 cargo-only destinations, while more than 50 of the locations Emirates SkyCargo serves are e-freight compliant. For further information on Emirates SkyCargo, please visit www.skycargo.com.