This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, countries have witnessed a significant increase in the demand for essential commodities such as personal protective equipment and medical devices. However, with limited air cargo capacity available due to the suspension of most passenger flights, air cargo carriers have had to innovate to optimize capacity on cargo flights.
Since mid-April, Emirates SkyCargo has been transporting cargo on the seats and overhead bins inside the passenger cabin of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This innovative approach allows the carrier to transport more goods per flight, helping urgent cargo reach their destinations faster and increasing the efficiency of flight operations.
Emirates SkyCargo has laid out strict rules on the kind of cargo that can be flown on the seats and overhead bins. For instance, cargo containing liquids and valuable items are not allowed to be loaded on the passenger seats and overhead bins. However, some exceptions include cut and preserved flowers and plants, dry and non-smelling fruits and vegetables, which can be carefully packaged and loaded on seats or in overhead bins inside the aircraft.
Any cargo that is loaded inside the passenger cabin must be packaged inside a suitable external container, such as a plastic or cardboard box, in accordance with the latest regulations outlined by IATA. Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo requires that all packaging must be able to contain any damage to the cargo and include an internal absorbent layer.
According to Emirates Senior Vice President, Cargo Operations Worldwide, Henrik Ambak, the carrier has operated close to 150 flights globally with cargo in the passenger cabin to date. Medical supplies required urgently to fight against Covid-19 are the cargo that most frequently gets priority to be loaded on the seat and in the bins.
Some of the other interesting and unexpected items that have been transported inside the cabin of the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft include garments and clothing, sporting goods, children's toys without batteries, empty soap dispensers, bottle caps for personal care products, dental supplies, and even dry food and spices such as pine nuts and cardamom.
Emirates SkyCargo continues to transport goods from more than 75 destinations across six continents, connecting people to the things they need most urgently, facilitating international trade, and supporting local economies.
