Emirates SkyCargo is boosting its capacity and expanding its fleet with the addition of more Boeing 777 Freighters.

Boeing and Emirates SkyCargo announced an order for five more 777 Freighters in addition to the initial five purchases of the same aircraft.

"The latest order, which was finalized in September and listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website, brings Emirates' order book to 249 Boeing widebody airplanes, including 14 777 Freighters," Boeing said in a statement.

Emirates SkyCargo plans to operate 21 777 Freighters in the coming years ─ nearly doubling its current fleet of 11 freighters as the carrier continues to expand capacity.

"We're investing in new freighter aircraft to meet surging demand and provide our customers around the world with even more flexibility, connectivity and options to leverage market opportunity," said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

"Demand for Emirates' air cargo services has been booming. This reflects Dubai's growing prominence as a preferred and trusted global logistics hub, and also the success of Emirates SkyCargo's bespoke solutions that address the needs of shippers in different industry sectors," he added.

Boeing noted that the 777 Freighter can fly farther (9,200 kilometres / 4,970 nautical miles) and carry more freight (102 tonnes) than any other twin-engine cargo jet today.

This capability enables operators to fly more freight on more nonstop routes with better operating economics, connecting high-value cargo markets such as the Middle East with the US and Europe.

"Emirates continues to set the direction for our industry, and we deeply appreciate the trust they have placed in the Boeing widebody family to serve as the backbone of their global fleet," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"We are proud to support Emirates SkyCargo's growth as it relies on the performance and versatility of our 777 Freighter to further connect the world."

Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook forecasts an additional 2,845 freighters will enter service over the next 20 years to support growing global trade and e-commerce demand.

The 777 Freighter is Boeing's best-selling freighter of all time, with 275 delivered to date.