Emirates’ cargo division anticipates the addition of 15 more freighters to its fleet through stated orders and its freighter conversion plan, together with an increase in bellyhold capacity from the delivery of new passenger aircraft beginning with the Airbus A350 in late summer 2024 and the 777-X the following year.
With a fleet of over 300 widebody aircraft, including 777s, 777-Fs, 747-Fs, A350s, and A380s, Emirates SkyCargo intends to quadruple its current capacity over the next ten years, add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network, and provide greater flexibility and services to its clients.
While the current market instability may cause others to hesitate, Emirates SkyCargo is moving forward with our goals at full speed, according to Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president of Emirates SkyCargo. The worldwide air cargo market is expected to grow by 3 to 5 percent over the next few years. While we wait for the delivery of 5 new 777Fs in 2024 and 2025 and the 10 777-300ERs to roll out of our conversion programme over the following 5 years, the 2 new 747-Fs that we have leased will provide us with immediate capacity.
The two Boeing 747-Fs were acquired on a long-term wet-lease basis and add to Emirates SkyCargo’s current fleet of 11 Boeing 777 freighters. They are now flying to Chicago three times per week and Hong Kong nine times per week.
