Emirates SkyCargo has made a firm order for five additional Boeing 777 freighters for delivery between 2025 and 2026. The US$ 1billion order will take the airline’s total order book to 315 wide-body aircraft. They will increase available main deck cargo capacity by 30% providing a long-term solution to the current capacity crunch, says the Dubai-based carrier. Emirates SkyCargo says it has had consistently high load factors and tonnages surpassing 2019 figures in its current 2024-25 financial year.
Chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said: “Demand for our world-class product and services is growing exponentially, further amplified by Dubai’s Economic Agenda which aims to double foreign trade and reinforce the city’s position as a global trading hub. This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan.
“The next phase of our strategy will include a full assessment for our future freighter fleet reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are best equipped to respond to the evolving demands of the market and reaffirming our confidence in the role of airfreight and, more specifically, Emirates SkyCargo, in global trade.”
The carrier plans to retire its older freighters but capacity will be bolstered by ten 777-300ERs currently being converted to all-cargo configuration, taking Emirates’ freighter fleet to 17 aircraft by the end of 2025.