Emirates is launching an express courier service leveraging its 250 plus aircraft fleet and wide network.
The Dubai-based airline announced on Wednesday the end-to-end delivery service will be rolled out in seven countries in the launch phase. These include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, South Africa and the UK. Emirates is expected to launch the product in India in the next phase.
Emirates move comes amid a growth of e-commerce which is expected to account for a third of global air cargo volume by 2027. While air cargo is categorised in general, perishable, high-value and express segments — the latter commands a higher rate for dedicated space and time bound delivery.
Emirates Courier Express will have a cross border network of partners to manage custom clearance and first and last mile of transportation.
“This integration into the airline’s existing infrastructure allows Emirates Courier Express to handle volume fluctuations from seasonal spikes while maintaining cost stability. It also enables Emirates Courier Express to provide bespoke and tailored solutions, whether transporting fashion and mobile phones or the most critical medical equipment,” Emirates said in a press release.
Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation, Emirates SkyCargo said, “The new product launch reflects our ongoing commitment to push the boundaries to introduce innovations which drive real impact and ensure our customers always have access to the fastest, most reliable and cost-effective solutions available.”
According to an industry analyst, though technology allows companies to harness app based delivery providers, replicating FedEx or DHL models will not be easy. Emirates will require strong partners on ground to compete with them, he said.
