Emirates SkyCargo will add up to 10 Boeing 777 freighters to its fleet by December 2026, marking a major expansion for the Dubai-based cargo carrier.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo said, The new aircraft will unlock network opportunities and support rising global demand across e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and perishables sectors. Expansion comes as the broader air cargo market shows resilience, with International Air Transport Association data revealing 4.1% year-on-year growth in October 2025.

Airline currently operates 11 Boeing 777Fs and five wet-leased Boeing 747s. By end of this year, Emirates SkyCargo aims to operate at least 21 freighters, significantly boosting cargo capacity. First converted passenger aircraft will begin freighter operations in 2026.

Emirates SkyCargo expanded its network to 42 destinations across six continents in 2025, launching services to eight new cities including Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut and Hanoi. Carrier signed new interline partnerships with Astral Aviation in Africa and Teleport in Southeast Asia.

Digital transformation accelerated last year, with nearly 80% of shipments now booked digitally by December 2025. Emirates became the first regional carrier to introduce instant cargo payments via PayCargo, replacing traditional cash transactions.

Emirates Courier Express, launched in 2025, has delivered more than 50 thousand packages with average delivery time of three days globally and one day between UK and UAE. Service expanded into Australia and Germany.

Airline's Aerospace and Engineering vertical recorded 100% increase in aircraft engine shipments. Fresh perishables business grew 10 percent while pharma volumes under Vital service rose 54%.

Emirates SkyCargo plans to double current capacity and add 20 new freighter destinations while investing in digital products and sustainable operations.

Source: Gulf News.