Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teleport, AirAsia's exclusive cargo partner.

The cargo arm of the world's largest international airline said the partnership aims to better support the surging trade between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, via Dubai.

Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport will work closely on a number of initiatives, which include expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements, to enhance connectivity and boost the reach of ASEAN businesses.

 [Source: Emirates SkyCargo]

Teleport exclusively consolidates the bellyhold capacity of all AirAsia airlines into a single, largest air logistics network in Southeast Asia, encompassing Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad, AirAsia X Berhad, Indonesia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, and AirAsia Cambodia, along with a fleet of three dedicated freighter aircraft and more than 40 other airlines.

Combined, this expands Emirates SkyCargo's reach to over 100 destinations beyond primary ones, also including secondary and tertiary airports in the Southeast Asian region.

Emirates noted that, conversely, Teleport will benefit from Emirates' vast global network of over 145 destinations, with a particular focus on key destinations in Europe, Africa, and the US.

"For almost 35 years, we have proudly served Southeast Asia, keeping goods flowing quickly, reliably and efficiently. This strategic partnership with Teleport and the AirAsia Group of airlines is an evolution of that commitment, enabling us to better serve our customers with increased capacity, more flexibility and access into new markets in Asia, combined with enhanced connectivity across our vast global network," said Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice president at Emirates SkyCargo.

Teleport CEO Pete Chareonwongsak noted that 2025 is a year of global scale for the company as it strengthens its network reach and capacity to better meet the growing global demands of e-commerce.

"Our partnership with Emirates, which is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia for them, is a source of great pride as we collaborate with a leading global partner," he said. "This will enable the expansion of both our respective air networks, supporting Southeast Asia's growing exports and facilitating the movement of e-commerce from China, through our connectivity beyond Southeast Asia, to the Middle East, Africa and Europe."

Chareonwongsak noted that e-commerce is expected to double its share of Southeast Asia's air cargo volumes from 11% to 20% by 2029, driven by lightweight, high-frequency shipments replacing bulk freight and the rise in demand for express delivery.

"With a shared commitment to provide faster, more efficient, and reliable cross-border air cargo services, this partnership enhances our combined capabilities to capture global market opportunities," the Teleport chief added.

Southeast Asia and the wider Asian continent are the backbone of global manufacturing, particularly for electronics, smart gadgets, fashion and textiles, machines, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. 

The joint statement noted that the partnership is set to support the world's shifting supply chains as Southeast Asia continues to build its manufacturing and logistics capabilities. Southeast Asia's outbound air cargo in 2024 totalled 2.5 million tons, with increased flows expected to the Middle East and Europe, driven by manufacturing expansion, e-commerce, and improved infrastructure. 

In recent years, the UAE and Southeast Asian countries have strengthened their economic and bilateral relationships, with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAS) signed between the UAE and Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

Vietnam and Thailand are also expected to follow.

Emirates SkyCargo first began operations to Southeast Asia with direct flights to Singapore, Bangkok and Manila in June 1990. Now, the airline operates five freighters and 176 passenger flights per week to 11 destinations across the region.

The cargo carrier said further expansion is on the horizon with the upcoming launch of passenger services to Siem Reap, Cambodia and Da Nang, Vietnam, in June 2025, with both cities connecting via Bangkok. 

Meanwhile, Teleport is an integrated logistics solutions provider operating the largest air logistics network in Southeast Asia, covering 80% of the region. The Teleport Network moves everything from large palletised cargo to small e-commerce parcels, reaching over 164 destinations across the Asia Pacific via the combined freighter and passenger aircraft belly capacity of AirAsia and more than 40 other partner airlines.

Teleport offers next-day delivery across Southeast Asia.