Emirates SkyCargo To Double Freighter Fleet To 21 Aircraft By End Of 2026 Amid Growing Air Cargo Demand

Emirates SkyCargo is set to expand its freighter fleet from 10 to 21 aircraft by the end of 2026. This decision underscores the company's confidence in the growing global demand for air cargo services. Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, shared these insights during the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2025 in Dubai.

Sultan revealed that their current fleet includes 10 owned freighters and six leased aircraft. The company plans to add 11 new Boeing 777Fs by the end of 2026. This expansion aligns with their strategy to invest in advanced technology, modern infrastructure, and specialised logistics solutions for sectors like pharmaceuticals and perishables.

Emirates SkyCargo's dedicated freighter network currently covers 38 destinations, with plans to increase this number by 20 in the coming years. This year, they have already expanded their network by introducing new cargo routes to Japan and Copenhagen. The total Emirates network now reaches 148 destinations, supported by a vast global partnership network.

The overall fleet consists of 260 aircraft, including 250 passenger planes. By 2030, they expect this number to surpass 300 aircraft. Sultan highlighted that Al Maktoum International Airport is being developed into the world's largest air cargo hub by the Government of Dubai, with a handling capacity of up to 12 million tonnes.

Emirates SkyCargo recently launched "Emirates Delivers," a door-to-door express service designed for businesses. Currently operational in seven markets—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UK, and South Africa—the service aims to expand to all Emirates SkyCargo destinations. "This service mirrors the Emirates passenger experience," Sultan stated.

Sultan also addressed broader challenges in the air cargo sector. He emphasised that Emirates continues to monitor international developments closely and remains adaptable due to its extensive experience over four decades. "We view challenges as opportunities to innovate," he said.

The company is committed to building the future of logistics in collaboration with Dubai's vision of becoming a global capital for multimodal cargo. Sultan expressed confidence in air cargo's future and Emirates' significant role within it.

With inputs from WAM