Emirates SkyCargo has started using its Airbus A380 aircraft on select cargo-only charter operations, with the first of so-called ‘mini-freighter’ flights successfully transporting medical supplies between Seoul and Amsterdam via Dubai. 

Working with the engineering and flight operations teams of Emirates, the air cargo carrier optimised the capacity of the A380 aircraft to carry around 50 tonnes of belly cargo per flight. 

Also read: Emirates SkyCargo to reopen Dubai South terminal for vaccine distribution

The airline said the dedicated cargo operations on the A380 are in response to the surge in demand for air cargo capacity required for the urgent transport of critical goods, including medical supplies for combatting Covid-19 in regions experiencing a “second wave.” 

Emirates SkyCargo noted it is working on further optimising the capacity of its Airbus A380 aircraft by loading cargo on passenger seats and has planned more dedicated cargo flights on aircraft for the month of November.