Lusaka Airport adds weekly cargo flights
Emirates and TAAG Angola Airlines have each launched weekly dedicated freighter services to Lusaka, Zambia, citing growing demand for time-sensitive
Emirates SkyCargo has added a weekly Boeing 777 freighter service to Lusaka, Zambia. TAAG Angola Airlines has simultaneously launched a weekly Boeing 737-800F 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 between Zambia and Angola.
New Services and Initial Cargo
TAAG's first flight on its new north-south logistics corridor carried 12.8 tonnes of cargo from Amsterdam. The shipment included machine parts, IT equipment, personal effects, and other high-value goods. The airline has scheduled subsequent operations with loads of 14 and 16 tonnes.
Emirates is approaching the market from a different angle. The carrier 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 Emirates SkyCargo, told The Loadstar that Zambia's landlocked geography makes air freight particularly valuable for urgent shipments.
Driving Demand for Air Cargo
Emirates identified key cargo segments driving its new service. These include pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, electronics, industrial spare parts, high-value equipment, and express courier shipments.
Mr Al Hinai also pointed to growing consumer demand and import requirements from major sourcing markets like China, the UAE, India, and Turkey. The emerging opportunity appears centred on cargo where speed, reliability, and connectivity are critical, rather than traditional bulk movements.
TAAG's initial shipment fits that description. The airline also said the route could support exports such as beef, poultry, and horticultural products.
Regional Gateway Ambitions
The bigger proposition may be regional. Emirates said it sees potential for Lusaka to develop into a regional air cargo gateway and distribution centre. It would serve neighbouring markets like Zimbabwe and Malawi, plus selected areas of Botswana.
For forwarders, the Emirates freighter could add another routing option. Cargo typically flows through established regional gateways like Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa. Mr Al Hinai said the new service provides a direct and reliable alternative for time-sensitive cargo entering Zambia and the surrounding region.
TAAG is making a similar regional argument. Its corridor links the Zambian market with its wider African network. The airline said the route would facilitate access to the Angolan market and create new trade opportunities between Angola and Zambia.
Aircraft and Capacity Comparison
The two airlines are deploying different aircraft types, indicating distinct strategies for the market.
| Airline | Aircraft | Frequency | Key Origin Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates SkyCargo | Boeing 777F | Weekly | Dubai |
| TAAG Angola Airlines | Boeing 737-800F | Weekly | Luanda/Amsterdam |
What has changed for two carriers to see Lusaka as worth dedicated freighter capacity? For Emirates, the answer is growing demand for urgent imports that can no longer fit in belly holds. For TAAG, the opportunity appears broader, promoting regional economic integration and strengthening supply chains.
The early loads reported by TAAG provide some evidence of demand. Whether that develops into a sustained market remains to be seen. The simultaneous arrival of a 777F from Dubai and a 737-800F from Luanda suggests the opportunity may no longer be as easy to dismiss.
