OREANDA-NEWS. NOVOSIBIRSK International Airport (Tolmachevo) is negotiating on possibility of launching scheduled cargo flight service with Africa and Middle East countries. It is assumed to commence direct cargo flights along the route Johannesburg (RSA) - Nairobi (Kenya) - Dubai (UAE) - Novosibirsk starting from November 2014.

The details of this unique Siberian project were discussed in Novosibirsk on August 14th-15th during the visit of official delegation consisted of Mr. Philip M. Githiora - Minister Counselor of Kenya Embassy in Moscow, Mr. Mark Soyfer - C.E.O., Special Economic Zone, Swissport Cargo Complex, Kenya, and Mr. Dmitry V. Salichev - Cargo Manager, Emirates Sky Cargo, Russia.

The group of foreign experts conducted a number of negotiations in Novosibirsk, including meetings with the Siberian Customs Department and the Government of Novosibirsk Region, enlisting the support in the activities on launching the flight. The initiative on organizing of such meetings belongs to the JSC "Airport Tolmachevo", represented by the Director General, Mr Evgeniy Yankilevich, and First Deputy Director General - Commercial Director, Mr. Sultan Jarmukhanov.

It was agreed that flights will be performed on cargo aircraft Boeing 777F operated by Emirates Sky Cargo airlines. Shippers from Kenya represented by SEZ Kenya are planning to deliver to Novosibirsk agriculture products, including fruits, flowers and seafood. Also different goods from Dubai are of great interest for Siberian market. It should be highlighted that Novosibirsk Tolmachevo airport has all necessary ground support equipment for ramp and terminal cargo handling, including those required special conditions.

The new flight will became a good example of effective interaction of Russian Federation and African/Middle Eastern countries in terms of food supply. This would be the first time in the history when wide range of food products from Africa and Middle East will be delivered directly to the Siberian market by air.