UAE-based Starlight Airlines, the largest cargo operator to and out of Iraq, has entered into an agreement with Emirates SkyCargo to launch cargo operations between its Sharjah hub and Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Under the agreement, the service operates a Boeing 777 freighter to Erbil, twice a week initially, with more likely to be increased to three times a week in the near future. Flights have already commenced operation on February 8.

Erbil, the biggest city in Kurdistan, is witnessing a major surge in growth supported by its security, pro-business environment and foreign investment inflow. The cargo service by Starlight Airlines reinforces Erbil's position as a hub for trade and logistics and heralds a new beginning for Iraq's challenging economy.

The new cargo link will create further opportunities for business growth in Iraq where recovery is well under way and abundant hydrocarbon resources are expected to fuel unprecedented economic activity. International companies looking forward to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq and help boost Iraq's business and infrastructure will find the twice-a-week cargo link extremely beneficial.

We are very pleased to join hands with Emirates SkyCargo to operate cargo flights to Erbil and we expect to increase it to three flights a week in the near future. We see a huge demand in this sector to carry a variety of goods to Erbil, including perishables, food, auto parts, textiles, agricultural products, electronics and medical items, among others. We also look forward to continuing our contribution to developing commercial ties between the UAE and Iraq, Giovanni Marseal, President and CEO of Starlight Airlines, said.

©Khaleej Times