Emirates SkyCargo says it will add two new Boeing 777Fs into its fleet in 2022 and also convert four of its Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters between 2023 and 2024.
The new aircraft will be delivered in April and June 2022 respectively.
The conversions will be carried out by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), starting in early 2023 and expected to conclude in 2024 with each aircraft taking up to an estimated five months for the process.
The agreement also includes an option for further Boeing 777-300ER conversions at a later stage.
The converted freighters will provide up to 10 additional pallet positions over the Boeing 777-F production freighter allowing for transport of more low density cargo. The converted aircraft’s payload capabilities are very close to those of the Boeing 777-F production freighters and the twin-engine aircraft will be more efficient per tonne of cargo carried than standard freighters, said Emirates.
Emirates Group chairman and chief executive, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “We are delighted to announce an investment of AED 3.6 billion (US$ 1 billion) to further expand our freighter capacity. This underscores our commitment to supporting our customers’ requirements, and reflects our confidence in our future growth and status as one of the largest airline cargo carriers in the world.”