Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of Emirates (EK, Dubai International), aims to double its freighter fleet to 21 aircraft by the end of 2026, underscoring its confidence in sustained global demand.
"We currently operate 10 owned freighters, in addition to six leased aircraft, and expect to receive 11 new B777-Fs by the end of 2026," senior VP Nabil Sultan told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2025 in Dubai on April 15.
He noted that the fleet expansion supports the company’s strategy to invest in modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and specialised logistics solutions for sectors like pharmaceuticals and perishables.
Sultan added that Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter network spans 38 destinations, with plans to add 20 more. The company recently added new cargo routes to Tokyo Narita and Copenhagen Kastrup.
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the cargo arm of Emirates operates three wet-leased B747-400(BDSF)s (one from Aerotranscargo and two from AirACT); two B747-400ERFs and one B747-400FSCD, all wet-leased from Compass Cargo Airlines; and ten B777-200Fs (six dry-leased from DAE Capital and four company-owned), with 13 more of the type to be delivered.
The broader Emirates fleet includes 269 aircraft with 309 to de delivered. According to Sultan, the plan is to surpass 300 aircraft by 2030.
He also highlighted plans to help develop Dubai World Central into the world’s largest air cargo hub, capable of handling up to 12 million tonnes annually.
SkyCargo, Teleport ink cargo partnership
Meanwhile, Emirates SkyCargo announced it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teleport, AirAsia’s exclusive cargo partner, to strengthen air freight connectivity between Southeast Asia and global markets.
The partnership aims to enhance cargo interline options and establish block space agreements, expanding trade links via Dubai and improving access for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) businesses to international markets.
Teleport consolidates the bellyhold capacity of all AirAsia carriers, covering more than 100 destinations across Southeast Asia, including secondary and tertiary airports, through airlines such as AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, AirAsia Cambodia, and AirAsia X. AirAsia operates three A321-200(P2F)s on behalf of Teleport. The network also includes three freighter aircraft and partnerships with more than 40 other carriers.
Through the deal, Emirates SkyCargo will significantly broaden its footprint in Southeast Asia, while Teleport will gain access to Emirates’ global network of more than 145 destinations, particularly in Europe, Africa, and the United States.
