Emirates announces two new Boeing 747-F leases which add to its immediate capacity. With a fleet of over 300 aircraft by mid-2030, it will offer expanded cargo flexibility, capacity and capability from a mix of belly-hold on A350s, A380s, 777s, and on dedicated freighters.

Flag carrier of the UAE, Emirates SkyCargo has added to its fleet of freighters two Boeing 747-400Fs, demonstrating its firm belief in the world cargo market in the face of recent volatility. According to a press statement by Emirates, its cargo division anticipates the addition of 15 more freighters to its fleet through stated orders and its freighter conversion programme. Additionally, belly-hold capacity will increase due to the arrival of new passenger aircraft, beginning with the Airbus A350 in late summer 2024 and the 777-X the following year.

The statement says that over the next decade, Emirates SkyCargo expects to double its existing capacity, add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network, and offer even more flexibility and services to its customers with a fleet mix of over 300 wide-body aircraft comprising: 777s, 777-Fs, 747-Fs, A350s, and A380s.

“While the current market volatility may cause others to hesitate, Emirates SkyCargo is pushing full steam ahead with our plans. The medium to long term projections for global air cargo show an upward trajectory of between 3-5 pc. Combine that 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,” says Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo.

“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,” Nabil continued.

The statement says that the 2 Boeing 747-Fs, which were obtained on a long-term wet-lease arrangement and are now being deployed to Chicago three times a week and Hong Kong nine times a week, are a complement to Emirates SkyCargo’s current fleet of 11 Boeing 777 freighters.

“The new aircraft means we can expand our freighter network and amplify the connectivity with the main Emirates network. The new fleet mix also gives us more flexibility to serve our different customers even better. Emirates SkyCargo is also investing to develop new products, and to speed up digitisation and technology innovation. It is our ambition to lead the market in delivering specialist solutions that are fast, reliable, flexible, and efficient. More exciting developments to come. Stay tuned,” Nabil adds.