From strawberries to aircraft engines: Emirates SkyCargo boosts UK exports by 11pc
More than 57,000 tonnes transported during FY 2025-26
DUBAI/LONDON – Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has strengthened its role in supporting British exports, transporting everything from delicate seasonal produce to aircraft components and lifesaving pharmaceuticals across its global network.
During FY 2025-26, the air cargo carrier moved more than 57,000 tonnes of exports from the UK, marking an 11 percent increase compared with FY 2024-25. The growth has continued into the current financial year, with exports between April and June 2026 rising by 7 percent compared with the same period last year.
The sustained increase highlights growing international demand for British products and the importance of reliable air cargo services connecting regional production centres with markets across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia.
Growing network
Khawla Abdulla, Vice President Cargo Commercial Europe at Emirates SkyCargo, said the continued rise in exports reflects the growing need for fast, dependable and globally connected logistics networks that support international trade.
She said Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in linking businesses across the UK and Europe with high-growth markets around the world through its Dubai hub and specialised cargo solutions. According to Abdulla, the carrier continues to strengthen trade flows by connecting regional production centres directly to its expanding global network, supporting industries including life sciences, aerospace, perishables and advanced manufacturing while ensuring international customers receive premium products quickly.
Building on its strong performance, Emirates SkyCargo continues to support British exporters with a particular focus on aerospace, life sciences and perishables. The carrier currently offers wide-body cargo connectivity on more than 140 weekly flights from eight UK gateways: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted.
Aerospace growth
The UK's aerospace industry remains one of the world's leading centres for innovation and advanced engineering, and Emirates SkyCargo has continued to play a significant role in transporting critical components worldwide.
Between January and June 2026, the carrier transported more than 570 tonnes of aircraft parts and aerospace components from the UK to destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Demand for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) services, Emirates SkyCargo's specialised aerospace and engineering logistics solution, surged by more than 300 percent year on year during the first six months of 2026. The increase reflects rising demand for rapid and reliable transport of time-critical aviation equipment.
Beyond the aerospace sector, Emirates SkyCargo also transported high-value technology infrastructure, including data centre equipment and server racks, from the UK to international markets.
Most of the high-tech equipment and aerospace components originate from manufacturing and engineering clusters around Manchester and London, with airports in both cities serving as major gateways that connect British innovation directly with customers worldwide. Supported by specialised handling capabilities and an extensive global network, the carrier enables seamless transportation of critical technology assets across continents.
Life sciences
The carrier has also expanded its role in the transportation of pharmaceuticals, biologics and clinical trial medicines, reinforcing the UK's position as a global leader in life sciences.
During the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 1,600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals from the UK. It also carried more than 26 tonnes of clinical trial medications, supporting the movement of highly sensitive healthcare products to international destinations.
Newcastle continues to serve as one of Emirates SkyCargo's most important regional gateways for pharmaceutical exports. The airport supports a major life sciences manufacturing base in northeast England, enabling temperature-sensitive and time-critical products to reach global markets efficiently.
Backed by a modern fleet, GDP-certified infrastructure and specialised multi-tier solutions for temperature-controlled cargo, Emirates SkyCargo continues to strengthen its position in the global transportation of pharmaceutical products.
Fresh produce
British farms, fisheries and food producers also remain major contributors to export growth.
During the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo facilitated exports of premium British food products, including more than 1,500 tonnes of Scottish shellfish and over 1,200 tonnes of smoked salmon destined for markets around the world.
A significant proportion of Scottish seafood is shipped directly from Glasgow and Edinburgh, allowing exporters to deliver products more quickly while ensuring they reach consumers in peak condition.
The UAE also remained an important destination for British food exports. More than 1,000 tonnes of food products were transported from the UK to the UAE during the first half of 2026, equivalent to approximately 10 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.
Among the most popular exports were 250 tonnes of strawberries and more than 150 tonnes of cheese flown to Dubai.
These shipments are supported by Emirates Fresh, the carrier's specialised perishables solution that offers three service levels tailored to different handling requirements. The product is designed to protect fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat and other temperature-sensitive goods throughout their journey from origin to destination.
Wider support
Beyond its key growth sectors, Emirates SkyCargo also facilitated the transportation of premium British-built automobiles and valuable works of art destined for museums and private collections around the world.
Its Emirates Courier Express service continues to expand opportunities for British businesses by providing a door-to-door cross-border delivery solution. The service supports retailers and manufacturers in sectors including fashion, consumer goods and industrial components, helping them reach international customers more efficiently.
Wildlife protection
Alongside commercial trade, Emirates SkyCargo continues to support global conservation initiatives.
Recently, the carrier partnered with British charity Dogs 4 Wildlife to transport two specially trained conservation dogs from the UK to Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe. The dogs now work alongside park rangers to help combat illegal poaching and protect endangered wildlife.
Emirates is also one of the founding signatories of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and remains an active member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, supporting international efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and exploitation.
Fleet expansion
Emirates SkyCargo continues to expand its operations to meet rising global demand for air freight services.
The cargo division currently offers capacity across Emirates' fleet of more than 280 aircraft, including dedicated freighters. Since March 2026, the airline has added six new Boeing 777-F production freighters and introduced its first Boeing 777-300ERSF, converted from a passenger aircraft.
The expansion programme will continue throughout the year, with four additional Boeing 777-F freighters and a second Boeing 777-300ERSF scheduled to join the fleet before the end of 2026, further strengthening Emirates SkyCargo's ability to support growing international trade and connect businesses with markets worldwide.