Emirates SkyCargo increases global reach with enhanced capacity
Emirates SkyCargo is set to embark on its next phase of growth in 2025, fueled by a 15% increase in critical main deck cargo capacity compared to January 2024. The airline’s investments in freighter aircraft and strategic leasing agreements throughout 2024 have positioned it as a key player in the global logistics landscape.
Responding to Exponential Growth
Throughout 2024, Emirates SkyCargo witnessed soaring demand for its specialist product portfolio, supported by its extensive global network and all-widebody fleet. To meet this growing demand, the airline has wet-leased two additional Boeing 747 freighters. This move builds on Emirates SkyCargo’s strategy to expand its capacity and address evolving supply chain and air cargo needs.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, highlighted the airline’s commitment to growth:
“Throughout 2024, we made significant investments in new and leased freighter aircraft to address the evolving supply chain and air cargo demands around the world to ensure we had a stable supply of capacity to best serve our global customers. This remains a key priority for Emirates SkyCargo as we set our sights on the next era of growth.”
Strategic Investments and Partnerships
The multi-year lease for the Boeing 747 freighters was signed with the Compass Group, a long-standing partner of Emirates SkyCargo. This agreement not only unlocks immediate capacity but also sets the stage for further collaboration between the two entities.
In addition to leased aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo bolstered its owned fleet in 2024 with the delivery of two new Boeing 777 freighters. These aircraft were deployed to address the rising demand for eCommerce shipments from Asian markets, expanding the airline’s freighter network to 38 destinations.
A Growing Fleet for Future Expansion
The current Emirates SkyCargo fleet now includes 10 Boeing 777 freighters and six wet-leased Boeing 747s, bringing the total to 16 dedicated freighters. With an order of 13 additional Boeing 777 freighters set for delivery between 2025 and 2026, the airline is poised to continue its expansion. Emirates is also exploring options for next-generation aircraft, including the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F, to support its long-term fleet strategy.
Enhancing Dubai’s Global Logistics Hub
The airline’s growth aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda, leveraging the city’s position as a global logistics hub. Abbas emphasized the significance of these developments:
“We anticipate that demand will continue to boom, reflecting Dubai’s prominence as a global logistics hub. Enhancing our cargo capabilities is essential to support Dubai’s Economic Agenda, enabling us to reach new destinations, bolster our current operations and elevate our specialist product portfolio.”
Boosting Capacity Across Passenger and Cargo Operations
Emirates SkyCargo also benefits from Emirates’ widebody passenger fleet, which recently added its first Airbus A350 to enhance bellyhold cargo capacity. The aircraft offers 12 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight. Meanwhile, increased passenger frequencies to cities such as Johannesburg, Madagascar via Seychelles, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Melbourne will further bolster the airline’s freight capabilities.
With its robust fleet expansion, strategic partnerships, and alignment with global logistics demands, Emirates SkyCargo is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving air cargo industry.