Emirates SkyCargo enters 2026 with fleet surge, network expansion and new products
Expanded fleet and network strengthen Dubai’s role in international logistics
DUBAI – Emirates SkyCargo is heading into 2026 with a defined growth strategy after a year marked by fleet expansion, network development, digital transformation and the launch of new cargo products.
The cargo division of the world’s largest international airline closed 2025 with increased capacity, wider global reach and strengthened operational capabilities, reinforcing its role in keeping global trade moving efficiently and reliably.
The airline’s roadmap for 2026 builds on investments made over the past 12 months, spanning freighter deliveries, strategic partnerships, customer-focused digital solutions and specialised logistics products. These developments position Emirates SkyCargo to respond to rising global demand while supporting Dubai’s status as a leading logistics hub.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said 2025 had laid the groundwork for the next phase of expansion, with 2026 expected to be pivotal for fleet growth and operational flexibility. He confirmed the airline is anticipating the delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777 freighters by December 2026, significantly increasing capacity across its global network and enabling further route and schedule enhancements.
Fleet expansion
At the start of 2025, Emirates SkyCargo took delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter of the year, followed by two additional aircraft in the subsequent months. These deliveries supported the retirement of older aircraft, aligning with the airline’s commitment to operate one of the youngest cargo fleets in the industry.
By the end of the year, the freighter fleet comprised 11 Boeing 777Fs alongside five wet-leased Boeing 747s. In parallel, the first Emirates passenger aircraft entered the conversion programme, with plans for it to begin operations as a dedicated freighter in 2026. With additional aircraft scheduled for delivery, Emirates SkyCargo is targeting a fleet of at least 21 freighters by the end of 2026, substantially increasing available cargo capacity.
The expanded fleet is expected to unlock new network opportunities, improve scheduling flexibility and enhance the airline’s ability to scale its solutions in line with customer demand. The arrival of new aircraft will also support the growth of specialised cargo verticals that require tailored handling and capacity.
Network growth
Emirates SkyCargo continued to widen its freighter network throughout 2025, launching services to eight new destinations. These included Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh and Hanoi, reflecting a focus on both established trade centres and emerging markets.
High-volume destinations such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg also benefited from additional weekly frequencies, increasing capacity on key trade lanes. Demand on the Hanoi route led to a rapid expansion to four weekly freighter services shortly after launch.
By the close of the year, Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter network spanned 42 destinations across six continents. This expansion supports global supply chains while offering customers increased connectivity into Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Alongside network growth, the airline strengthened its interline partnerships, which now exceed 180 global partners. New agreements signed in 2025 included collaborations with Africa-based Astral Aviation and Southeast Asia’s Teleport, enhancing access to primary, secondary and tertiary airports in high-growth regions. Emirates SkyCargo also continued to reinforce existing strategic partnerships with airlines such as Air Canada, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, extending its global reach.
Operational investment
While planning for its future cargo facility at Al Maktoum International Airport, Emirates SkyCargo continued to invest in its current operational infrastructure. During 2025, the airline upgraded its ground transportation fleet with the delivery of 40 Euro 6 trucks from MAN Trucks, introducing lower-emission vehicles equipped with driver-focused technology.
Looking ahead, the airline expects to receive five hydrogen-powered trucks by the first quarter of 2026, marking a milestone in its gradual transition towards alternative fuel vehicles. These investments are aimed at improving efficiency while supporting broader sustainability objectives.
Emirates SkyCargo also advanced its exploration of next-generation delivery solutions. In collaboration with LODD Autonomous, the airline will assess the feasibility of using vertical take-off and landing aircraft for first- and last-mile cargo deliveries throughout 2026. The initiative reflects growing interest in innovative logistics solutions for urban and remote environments.
Digital transformation remained a central focus, with a continued shift away from manual bookings. By December 2025, nearly 80 per cent of all shipments were booked digitally, driven primarily by the airline’s eSkyCargo platform, third-party digital marketplaces and direct customer API integrations.
The airline also became the first carrier in the region to adopt PayCargo’s digital payment solution, enabling instant payments via credit card or direct debit and reducing reliance on traditional cash transactions. Further enhancements to digital tools and customer-facing platforms are planned for 2026.
Product innovation
Emirates SkyCargo maintained its position as a preferred carrier for a wide range of shipments in 2025, from transporting more than 14,600 family pets to moving the first prototype of a Koenigsegg supercar to the UAE’s Mille Miglia event.
One of the year’s major milestones was the launch of Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door cross-border delivery solution designed to set new benchmarks for speed and reliability. Within months of its introduction, the service expanded to Australia and Germany, with further launches planned across major global economies in 2026.
To date, Emirates Courier Express has delivered more than 50,000 packages, achieving an average delivery time of three days across its network and approximately one day between the UK and the UAE.
The airline also introduced a dedicated Aerospace and Engineering vertical, offering optimised aircraft-on-ground services and a new Aircraft Engines solution. Demand in this segment surged, with a 100 per cent increase in the movement of individual aircraft engines compared with the previous year. The airline’s capabilities were demonstrated by the transport of Arab Satellite 813 from Al Ain to Shanghai.
Perishables remained Emirates SkyCargo’s largest vertical by tonnage. The Fresh product recorded 10 per cent growth in 2025, uplifting an additional 25,700 tonnes compared with 2024. This increase is equivalent to the weight of approximately 275 million apples. As the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements come into force, the airline continues to move fresh produce from farm to table in as little as 24 hours.
In the life sciences sector, Emirates SkyCargo reported a 54 per cent increase in volumes for Vital, its specialised pharmaceutical service. The airline now transports around 2,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products each week, supporting the growing demand for clinical trials and advanced therapies such as cell and gene treatments.
The Secure solution also saw growth, with a 30 per cent increase in volumes driven by higher production of mobile phones and personal electronic devices in Vietnam and India. Emirates SkyCargo met this demand through a combination of freighter services and sea-air logistics.