Emirates SkyCargo grows fleet to expand reach

Dubai-based Emirates SkyCargo has added two Boeing 747-400Fs to its freighter fleet, reflecting its confidence in the global cargo market despite ongoing global economic uncertainty.

The cargo division of Emirates is expecting 15 more freighters to join its fleet from announced orders. The additions will boost the belly-hold capacity from new passenger aircraft deliveries starting with Airbus A350s in late summer 2024, followed by 777-Xs the year after.

Over the next decade, Emirates SkyCargo expects to double its existing capacity and add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network, with a fleet mix of over 300 wide-body aircraft.

Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “While the current market volatility may cause others to hesitate, Emirates SkyCargo is pushing full steam ahead with our plans.”

He added that the medium to long-term projections for global air cargo shows an upward trajectory of between three and five percent.

Secured on a long-term wet-lease basis, the two Boeing 747-Fs complement Emirates SkyCargo’s existing fleet of 11 Boeing 777 freighters and are currently being deployed to Chicago three times weekly and to Hong Kong nine times weekly.

“The new aircraft means we can expand our freighter network and amplify the connectivity with the main Emirates network,” Sultan said.

Through its hub in Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo transports cargo to 150 destinations across a global network spanning six continents.