Emirates Expands Freighter Fleet with Order for 5 Additional Boeing 777 Freighters
Emirates has solidified its position as a leader in air cargo, announcing a firm order for five more Boeing 777 freighters. These new aircraft, set to be delivered in 2025 and 2026, will bring the airline’s dedicated freighter fleet to 21 units by the end of 2026, significantly boosting capacity to meet the growing demand for air cargo services.
This latest order, combined with previous commitments, means Emirates has 14 Boeing 777 freighters pending delivery, with the airline also extending a multi-year lease on four additional 777 freighters in its current fleet. By December 2026, Emirates SkyCargo is expected to operate one of the world’s most advanced and robust freighter fleets.
In addition to these orders, Emirates has embarked on converting 10 passenger Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters, further expanding its capacity and operational flexibility. These investments come in response to the surging demand for air cargo services, bolstered by Dubai’s rise as a leading global logistics hub.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, said, “We’re investing in new freighter aircraft to meet surging demand and provide our customers with more flexibility, connectivity, and options to leverage market opportunities. This reflects Dubai’s growing prominence as a trusted global logistics hub.”
Emirates’ investment also coincides with the Dubai government’s plans to expand Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which will soon be capable of processing 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. This expansion will further cement Dubai’s status as a pre-eminent cargo hub, integrating air, sea, and land connections.
Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added, “We are proud to support Emirates SkyCargo’s growth as they rely on the performance and versatility of our 777 Freighter to connect the world.”
Looking ahead, Emirates is expected to make a decision by the end of 2024 on its freighter fleet for the late 2020s, with the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F among the contenders.
