Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of the world’s largest international airline, has announced a firm order for five additional Boeing 777 freighters, worth more than $1 billion. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026, bringing Emirates’ total orders to 315 wide-body aircraft.
Emirates SkyCargo has recorded exceptional performance in the first quarter of the current financial year 2024-25, maintaining high load levels that exceeded 2019 figures. Once the new aircraft enter service, the available cargo capacity will increase by 30%, enabling the carrier to better serve its customers around the world, particularly in key markets.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Demand for our world-class products and services continues to grow significantly, driven by the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda, aiming to double the volume of foreign trade and consolidate the emirate’s leading position as a global trade hub. Investing in increasing the capacity of our Boeing 777 aircraft enables us to meet customer demands and is an additional step in our long-term strategic growth plans.”
“The next phase of our strategy includes a comprehensive assessment of our future freighter fleet, reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are fully prepared to respond to evolving market requirements and reaffirm our confidence in the role of air cargo, and Emirates SkyCargo in particular, in boosting global trade,” His Highness added.
“Emirates SkyCargo has a reputation for operational excellence and innovation, and we are honored that it has once once more selected the Boeing 777 Freighter to expand its global network,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We appreciate Emirates’ confidence in the Boeing widebody family and remain committed to supporting its long-term strategic growth plan.”
With the successive deliveries of new aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo will retire its older freighters, reinforcing the carrier’s commitment to operating one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the skies.
With this order, Emirates SkyCargo increases its total order of 777 freighters to 10 aircraft. In addition, with the start of delivery of its ten 777-300 passenger aircraft, currently being converted into freighters, Emirates SkyCargo will further enhance its capabilities, increasing its fleet to 17 aircraft by the end of 2025.
Through Emirates’ passenger fleet, the carrier will continue to facilitate the movement of cargo quickly, reliably and efficiently across the world, offering customers more flexibility through a fleet mix of Boeing 777 and 777 Dreamliner aircraft, and Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft.
Emirates SkyCargo Expands Fleet with Five New Boeing 777 Freighters
Emirates SkyCargo Boosts Cargo Capacity with New Boeing 777 Freighters
Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates Airline, has announced a firm order for five additional Boeing 777 freighters, further bolstering its fleet and reinforcing its commitment to global trade. The new aircraft, valued at over $1 billion, are scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026. This order brings Emirates’ total wide-body aircraft orders to 315, demonstrating its confidence in the future of air cargo and its dedication to meeting growing market demands.
Significant Increase in Cargo Capacity
Emirates SkyCargo has seen exceptional performance in recent months, exceeding 2019 figures in terms of load levels. The incorporation of these new Boeing 777 freighters into the fleet will result in a remarkable 30% increase in cargo capacity, enabling the carrier to more effectively serve its global customer base, particularly in key markets.
Contributing to Dubai’s Economic Agenda
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, emphasized the significance of this investment in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda. He stated that the expansion of Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet aligns directly with the goal of doubling foreign trade and solidifying Dubai’s position as a premier global trade hub.
Long-Term Strategic Growth
The acquisition of these new Boeing 777 freighters is a strategic move that supports Emirates SkyCargo’s long-term growth plans. The carrier plans a comprehensive assessment of its future freighter fleet, exploring all available options to ensure it is well-equipped to meet evolving market needs. This commitment underscores the critical role air cargo, and specifically Emirates SkyCargo, plays in facilitating global trade.
Commitment to Operational Excellence
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, acknowledged Emirates SkyCargo’s reputation for operational excellence and innovation, highlighting the company’s continued trust in the Boeing 777 Freighter as the ideal aircraft for expanding its global network.
Sustainable Fleet Renewal
With the arrival of the new Boeing 777 freighters, Emirates SkyCargo plans to retire its older freighters, demonstrating its commitment to operating a modern and efficient fleet. This approach not only optimizes operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
777 Freighter Fleet Expansion
This latest order brings Emirates SkyCargo’s total order of Boeing 777 freighters to 10 aircraft. Furthermore, the carrier is converting ten Boeing 777-300 passenger aircraft into freighters, which are anticipated to enter service by the end of 2025. These additions, along with the new orders, will increase Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet to a total of 17 aircraft.
Expanding Cargo Solutions
In addition to its freighter fleet, Emirates SkyCargo continues to leverage its passenger fleet to facilitate the efficient and reliable movement of cargo worldwide. This versatile approach offers customers enhanced flexibility with a mix of Boeing 777 and 777 Dreamliner aircraft, as well as Boeing 747 and Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft.
Emirates SkyCargo’s Continued Growth
Emirates SkyCargo’s resolute investment in its freighter fleet reflects its confidence in the future of air cargo. The carrier is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for air freight by leveraging its extensive network, state-of-the-art fleet, and commitment to operational excellence.
