Dubai, May 7 - Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Dubai-based Emirates, has significantly expanded its cargo capabilities with the addition of new Boeing 777 Freighters (777Fs) to its fleet, reinforcing its position as a global leader in air cargo logistics. In 2024, the airline took delivery of two factory-fresh Boeing 777Fs, and in early 2025, it welcomed two more, bringing its owned fleet of these twin-engine freighters to 12. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to meet surging global demand for air freight, particularly in e-commerce and high-value cargo markets. The carrier has also placed firm orders for an additional 777Fs, with 14 more expected to be delivered by December 2026, nearly doubling its current freighter fleet to 21. This ambitious growth plan underscores Emirates SkyCargo’s commitment to enhancing its network reach, operational efficiency, and capacity to serve key trade routes across six continents.
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The Boeing 777F, known for its long-range capability and high payload capacity, is a cornerstone of Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter operations. With a range of 9,200 kilometers and the ability to carry up to 102 tonnes of cargo, the aircraft enables the airline to connect distant markets efficiently while accommodating large volumes of goods. The recent fleet additions have already facilitated network expansion, including the introduction of new freighter destinations such as Tokyo Narita and Copenhagen. The Copenhagen route, launched in January 2025, responds to growing demand in Scandinavia, offering approximately 85 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to and from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. This complements Emirates SkyCargo’s existing 38 freighter destinations, supported by 38 weekly dedicated freighter flights across Europe and extensive belly-hold capacity on over 485 weekly passenger flights.
In addition to acquiring new aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo has bolstered its capacity through strategic leasing agreements. In early 2025, the airline wet-leased two Boeing 747 freighters, increasing its main deck cargo capacity by 15% compared to January 2024. These leased aircraft, combined with the owned fleet of 12 Boeing 777Fs, bring the total active freighter fleet to 18. The leasing strategy provides flexibility to address immediate demand surges while the airline awaits further 777F deliveries. Looking ahead, Emirates SkyCargo is exploring future fleet options, including the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F, with a decision expected by late 2025 to shape its freighter strategy beyond 2028.
The expansion comes amid robust growth in Emirates SkyCargo’s operations. In the first half of the 2024-25 financial year, the airline transported nearly 1.2 million tonnes of cargo, a 16% increase year-on-year, with cargo yields rising by 11%. This performance reflects Dubai’s emergence as a global logistics hub and Emirates SkyCargo’s ability to offer tailored solutions for diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to perishables. The airline also plans to leverage belly-hold capacity on Emirates’ passenger fleet, including new Airbus A350s and refurbished Boeing 777-300ERs, to further enhance its cargo offerings. By 2026, with a projected fleet of 21 Boeing 777Fs and an expanded network, Emirates SkyCargo is poised to maintain its leadership in the air cargo industry, delivering speed, reliability, and connectivity to its global customer base.