Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world's largest international airline, now offers over 21,000 tonnes of weekly tonnage in and out of East and Southeast Asia following the recent launch of passenger services to Hangzhou in China.
The cargo carrier also now serves 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories.
Emirates SkyCargo noted that East and Southeast Asia, long established as the 'factory of the world', have developed robust trade corridors that demand substantial air freight capacity to move goods across international markets.
Dedicated Emirates SkyCargo freighters serve 9 gateways in the region, with 44 weekly flights, the highest freighter flight density on the airline's global network; this schedule is complemented by 13 charter services to and from East Asia every week, delivering consistent capacity and stable connectivity for Asian businesses into Europe and the Middle East.
Freighter and charter operations are also supported by 311 weekly passenger flights, which move travelers and cargo via a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
Emirates SkyCargo noted that with the high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia approximately every half hour.
"East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade," said Abdulla Alkhallafi, vice president of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia.
"From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand."
As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and manufacturing, Emirates SkyCargo said East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets on its global network. In an average week, it uplifts over 450 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and other perishable products, 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, 75 tonnes of electronics, semiconductors and smart goods, 180 tonnes of garments, and over 1,300 tonnes of ecommerce goods.
Hong Kong's ecommerce role
Emirates SkyCargo noted that throughout the 2024-2025 financial year, Hong Kong was the epicenter of ecommerce, and the carrier uplifted over 66,280 tonnes to and through Dubai.
This is in addition to handling over 535 tonnes of pharmaceuticals, 384 tonnes of valuable items, 24 tonnes of vulnerable goods and dedicated transport for world-class racehorses, with the airline's Equine product.
The 'Aerial Silk Road' – a network of air routes, logistics hubs and aviation infrastructure mirroring the overland and maritime Silk Roads of yore – enables swift and efficient connectivity with global markets.
Emirates SkyCargo operates a network spanning more than 145 destinations, including routes that align with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Its services connect over 50 participating countries, supporting trade flows through established air freight channels.
Beyond its network and capacity, Emirates SkyCargo forged a strategic partnership with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, to better support the growing trade between Southeast Asia and the wider world, via Dubai — unlocking over 100 primary, secondary and tertiary regional airports.
"As Emirates SkyCargo advances its ambitious 10-year growth strategy, East Asia and Southeast Asia remain priority markets for increased capacity, whether through additional flight schedules or brand-new routes," the cargo carrier said.
It added that by deepening connectivity across the region and maintaining seamless links with key markets worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening global supply chains, supporting bilateral economic growth and shape the future of global logistics.
