Emirates SkyCargo has placed an order with Boeing for five additional 777 freighters for delivery between 2025 and 2026.

The $1 billion order will take the Emirates SkyCargo’s total order book to 315 widebody aircraft.

Once the new aircraft are placed in service, the available main deck cargo capacity will increase by 30%.

Emirates SkyCargo’s performance throughout Q1 of its current 2024-2025 financial year has seen consistently high load factors and tonnages surpassing 2019 figures.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief Executive of the Emirates airline and Group, said: “Demand for our world-class product and services is growing exponentially, further amplified by Dubai’s Economic Agenda which aims to double foreign trade and reinforce the city’s position as a global trading hub.

“This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan.

“The next phase of our strategy will include a full assessment for our future freighter fleet reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are best equipped to respond to the evolving demands of the market and reaffirming our confidence in the role of airfreight and, more specifically, Emirates SkyCargo, in global trade.”

Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are honoured that Emirates SkyCargo, renowned for operational excellence and innovation, has once again selected the Boeing 777F to extend the reach of its global network.

“We deeply value Emirates’ trust in the Boeing widebody family and are committed to supporting their long-term strategic growth plan.”

Emirates SkyCargo says that with the staggered delivery of its new aircraft, it plans to retire older freighters, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to operating one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the sky.

In addition to the 10 Boeing 777Fs on order, the airline’s cargo capabilities will be bolstered by the 10 777-300ERs currently being converted into freighters, taking Emirates’ freighter fleet to 17 aircraft by the end of 2025.

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