Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Dubai's national carrier Emirates, will be launching its daily non-stop flight to Phuket starting from December 10 in line with its plan to boost its operations in Thailand.

The Phuket launch, operated by an A340-300 with a belly hold capacity of 13 tonnes, will take the weekly cargo capacity into and out of the country to more than 640 tonnes. This capacity is spread across four flights to Bangkok and one to Phuket, said a statement from Emirates SkyCargo.

Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea, will become the 15th route launch for Emirates this year and the second in South East Asia following the launch of Ho Chi Minh City in June.

It will also become the airline's second Thai gateway that connects it to international trade opportunities across the network of 126 destinations.

Emirates currently operate four daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok, including one with its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft.
 
EK379 will depart Phuket daily at 12:35am and arrive in Dubai International Airport at 4.35am, while on return EK378 will take off from Dubai at 12:45pm and arrive int Phuket International Airport at 9:55pm.

“Thailand is a major economic centre in South East Asia. Phuket, which is a very popular tourist destination, plays an important role in Thailand’s economy and with the launch of this service we will be able to connect businesses on the island to opportunities across our ever expanding global network,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ divisional senior VP (Cargo).

Imports into Phuket are mainly meat, spare parts, diving equipment, office supplies and fish, while the top exports include tuna, live shrimp and crab, he noted.
 
Due to the popularity of Thailand as a tourist destination, there is also strong demand for the movement of personal effects and household goods into and out of the island, he added.-TradeArabia News Service