Lusaka Airport Gains Freighter Services
Emirates and TAAG Angola Airlines start weekly freighter flights to Lusaka, Zambia, due to rising demand for time-sensitive imports and regional links.
Emirates SkyCargo has begun a weekly Boeing 777 freighter service to Lusaka, Zambia. TAAG Angola Airlines has simultaneously launched a weekly Boeing 737-800 freighter operation to the same airport.
These moves suggest carriers are identifying new potential in a market an industry source recently claimed lacked sufficient demand for a dedicated freighter service to Angola. The two airlines are approaching the opportunity from distinct angles.
Emirates Cites Demand for Urgent Cargo
Emirates stated that growing demand for time-critical imports had exceeded the capacity available in passenger aircraft belly space serving Zambia and Zimbabwe. Khalid Mohd Al Hinai, VP cargo commercial for the UAE, Gulf Middle East, and Africa at Emirates SkyCargo, told The Loadstar that Zambia's landlocked geography makes air freight particularly valuable for urgent shipments.
"Zambia’s landlocked geography makes air freight particularly valuable for urgent, time-sensitive, and high-value cargo, with shipments reaching the market rapidly, without longer transit times associated with other modes," he said. He identified pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, electronics, industrial spare parts, high-value equipment, and express courier shipments as key cargo segments. Mr Al Hinai also pointed to growing consumer demand and import requirements from major sourcing markets like China, the UAE, India, and Turkey.
TAAG's Regional Logistics Corridor
TAAG launched its service as part of a north-south logistics corridor. Its first flight carried 12.8 tonnes of cargo from Amsterdam, including machine parts, IT equipment, personal effects, and other high-value goods. Subsequent operations are scheduled with loads of 14 and 16 tonnes.
The airline said the route would create a new gateway for cargo from Europe, China, and Brazil while expanding distribution across Africa. TAAG also stated the service would facilitate access to the Angolan market and create new trade opportunities between Angola and Zambia. The airline suggested the route could support exports such as beef, poultry, and horticultural products.
Freighter Service Specifications
The source provides details on the two new weekly freighter services.
| Airline | Aircraft | Route Origin | Key Cargo Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Boeing 777F | Dubai | Pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, electronics, industrial parts, high-value equipment, express shipments |
| TAAG Angola Airlines | Boeing 737-800F | Luanda (via Amsterdam) | Machine parts, IT equipment, personal effects, high-value goods; potential for beef, poultry, horticulture exports |
Potential for a Regional Gateway
The broader proposition for both carriers is regional, not purely Zambian. Emirates said it saw potential for Lusaka to develop into a regional air cargo gateway and distribution centre serving neighbouring markets like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and parts of Botswana. Mr Al Hinai said the service provided a direct and reliable alternative for cargo entering Zambia and the surrounding region, leveraging Dubai's position as a global hub.
TAAG is making a similar regional argument, linking the Zambian market with its wider African network to strengthen supply chains. For forwarders, the Emirates freighter could add another routing option alongside established regional gateways such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa.
The simultaneous arrival of two different freighter types suggests the opportunity at Lusaka Airport may no longer be as easy to dismiss as it once was.
