Emirates SkyCargo reaffirms its plan to convert 10 Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters despite production delays, aiming to enhance cargo capacity.
Emirates SkyCargo has confirmed it is sticking with plans to convert 10 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters despite production delays.
There are currently 10 777-300ER Emirates-owned aircraft due for conversion by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). However, the aircraft were not mentioned in the recently published Emirates’ 2023–2024 financial year report. Earlier this year, Emirates SkyCargo told Air Cargo News (ACN) that there have been delays and the aircraft likely won’t enter service before the end of this year or 2025.
“Despite the technical delays our partner is currently experiencing with the freighter conversions, we remain confident in the program,” as per an Emirates spokesperson. “Once converted, the freighters will offer unique operational advantages, including larger and more flexible capacity, which are ideal for high-volume lanes and transporting e-commerce shipments. This is an important addition to our future fleet, enabling us to support our customers in line with evolving customer trends. We look forward to deploying them across our network to move goods quickly and efficiently.”
Yaacov Berkovitz, vice president and general manager of conversion and upgrades at IAI, said in an interview that IAI has almost completed the certification testing for its prototype, but delays in the certification process have impacted testing. “Everything is okay; we are waiting for the FAA,” said Berkovitz. He expects to obtain certification by the end of the second quarter or early in the third quarter.
Emirates SkyCargo first announced plans to invest in 777-300ER conversions with IAI in 2021. The original agreement was for four conversions to be completed in 2024, but this was later extended to 10 conversions. IAI has not confirmed when the first converted 777-300ER is likely to be delivered.
At the end of 2023–24, Emirates’ SkyCargo’s total freighter fleet stood at 11 Boeing 777Fs. The carrier is also awaiting the delivery of four 777-200Fs this year and one in 2025. The carrier also has three Boeing 747Fs on wet lease to help meet air cargo demand.
Several airlines have scaled back on freighter conversions and operations this year, although there is now a steady upturn in reported air cargo demand. Last month, Air Canada said it had dropped plans to convert a further two Boeing 767 aircraft into freighters, meaning it will stick with eight converted 767 freighters. Earlier this year, Cargojet also ditched plans to convert four 777s into freighters. US regional air carrier Mesa Airlines has additionally stopped providing air cargo services for DHL.
