Emirates SkyCargo has added two Boeing 747-400Fs to its freighter fleet, showing its strong confidence in the global cargo market in a current environment of volatility.
The cargo division of Emirates is expecting 15 more freighters to join its fleet from announced orders and its freighter conversion programme, plus a boost in belly-hold capacity from new passenger aircraft deliveries starting with Airbus A350s in late summer 2024, followed by 777-Xs the year after.
Over the next decade, Emirates SkyCargo expects to double its existing capacity, add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network and offer even more flexibility and services to its customers with a fleet mix of over 300 wide-body aircraft comprising: Boeing 777s, 777-Fs, 747-Fs, Airbus A350s and A380s.
Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said: “While the current market volatility may cause others to hesitate, Emirates SkyCargo is pushing full steam ahead with our plans. The medium- to long-term projections for global air cargo show an upward trajectory of between 3-5%. Combine that Dubai's strategy to double its foreign trade where multi-modal logistics will play a big role, and the economic activity happening in markets around the Gulf, West Asia, and Africa, and the opportunity for Emirates SkyCargo is clear.
Secured on a long-term wet-lease basis, the two Boeing 747-Fs complement Emirates SkyCargo's existing fleet of 11 Boeing 777 freighters and are currently being deployed to Chicago three-times weekly and to Hong Kong nine-times weekly.
