Emirates SkyCargo has added two Boeing 747-400Fs to its freighter fleet, showing its strong confidence in a global cargo market riddled with volatility.
Over the next decade, the carrier expects to double its existing capacity, add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network, with a fleet of over 300 wide-body Boeing and Airbus aircraft alongside its dedicated freighters
The cargo division of Emirates, is expecting 15 more freighters to join its fleet from announced orders and its freighter conversion program, plus belly-hold capacity from new passenger aircraft deliveries starting in late summer 2024.
The airline announced record profits amounting to US$2.9 billion reversing the recorded loss in the previous year. Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, said the company is pushing full steam ahead with plans despite the current market volatility.
“The medium to long term projections for global air cargo show an upward trajectory of between 3 and 5 percent. Combine that with 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.”
“The 2 new 747-Fs which we have leased will give us immediate capacity, while we wait for delivery of 5 new 777Fs in 2024 and 2025, and 10 777-300ERs to roll out of our conversion program over the next 5 years. We believe even these additional planes will not be sufficient. By then, we’ll have the MRO set-up to quickly and efficiently scale-up our freighter conversion program if we need to.”
Secured on a long-term wet-lease basis, the two Boeing 747-Fs will complement the airline’s fleet of 11 B777 freighters, and are currently deployed to Chicago three times weekly, and to Hong Kong nine times each week.
At air cargo Europe, Emirates SkyCargo launched a brand-new creative advertising campaign highlighting how ‘The World Works Better with Emirates SkyCargo’. The airline is also investing to develop new products, and to speed up digitisation and technology innovation. It recently launched a new service for vital and medical equipment to support the life sciences and healthcare sector.
