Emirates SkyCargo has added two Boeing 747-400Fs to its freighter fleet in a show of confidence in the global cargo market amid current volatility.
The cargo division of Emirates is expecting 15 more freighters to join its fleet from announced orders and its freighter conversion program, plus a boost in belly-hold capacity from new passenger aircraft deliveries starting with Airbus A350s in late summer 2024, followed by 777-Xs the year after.
"Over the next decade, Emirates SkyCargo expects to double its existing capacity," Emirates SkyCargo said in an announcement, adding that it would also expand to 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 shows an upward trajectory of between 3-5%," said Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president, of Emirates SkyCargo.
He noted 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, will also boost opportunities for Emirates SkyCargo.
Capacity boost with new freighters
"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," Nabil said.
"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 needed to," the Emirates SkyCargo executive further said.
The announcement noted that the two Boeing 747-Fs — that were secured on a long-term wet-lease basis — complement Emirates SkyCargo's existing fleet of 11 Boeing 777 freighters, and are currently being deployed to Chicago three times weekly, and to Hong Kong nine times weekly.
"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," Nabil added.
He noted that Emirates SkyCargo is also investing to develop new products and 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 are to come. Stay tuned," the Emirates SkyCargo executive further said.
