Throughout 2024, demand for Emirates SkyCargo’s specialist product range, its extensive global network and all its wide-body fleets has continued to grow significantly, with no signs of slowing down. To meet growing global demand, the airline has leased two additional Boeing 747 freighters starting in 2025 with a 15% increase in main deck cargo capacity, compared to January 2024.
Badr Abbas, Emirates Senior Vice President of Air Cargo, said: “Throughout 2024, we have made significant investments in new and leased cargo aircraft to meet the evolving supply chain and air cargo requirements around the world to ensure that we have a stable supply of capacity to achieve the best results.” Serving our global customers. This remains a key priority for Emirates SkyCargo, as we eye the next phase of growth.
We expect demand to continue to flourish, reflecting Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub. Strengthening our shipping capabilities is essential to support Dubai’s economic agenda, enabling us to reach new destinations, enhance our existing operations and raise the level of our specialized product portfolio.
A multi-year lease for the Boeing 747 aircraft was signed with Compass Group, one of Emirates SkyCargo’s most reliable and long-standing partners. This investment in additional Boeing 747F capacity allows the airline to immediately release capacity to meet customer demand, while the partners discuss ways to expand cooperation further.
Emirates Air Cargo’s leasing strategy integrates with its owned fleet, which continues to grow. In 2024, the airline took delivery of two new Boeing 777F aircraft, which entered service immediately, focusing on the growing demand for e-commerce shipments from Asian markets. The additional aircraft also enabled Emirates SkyCargo to expand its network of destinations served by freighter aircraft to 38, with a weekly freighter flight to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Emirates SkyCargo’s operating fleet now consists of 10 Boeing 777F aircraft and six leased Boeing 747 aircraft, bringing the number of aircraft to 16 aircraft. The carrier also has an order for 13 Boeing 777F aircraft, which are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026. This significant order book will support the airline through its next phase of growth, as it explores all options for the future fleet, including the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F.
In order to facilitate fast, reliable and efficient cargo movement, Emirates SkyCargo harnesses the extensive fleet and multi-frequency schedules of Emirates’ passenger operations. The recently increased passenger flights to key cities including Madagascar via Seychelles, Uganda and Ethiopia, followed by Johannesburg, South Africa and Melbourne, Australia before the end of the financial year, will enhance the cargo division’s ability to move cargo around the world. Finally, the arrival of the first A350 aircraft, which entered service this month, will enhance loading capacity, saving 12 tons on each flight.
