Emirates SkyCargo concluded 2025 by achieving significant milestones across various domains, establishing a robust foundation for the upcoming phase. The company enhanced its fleet, expanded its network of destinations, modernized digital operations, and launched innovative products, paving the way for a transformative 2026 anticipated to drive substantial growth and global operational expansion.
As the dedicated cargo division of Emirates Airlines, the largest international airline, Emirates SkyCargo continues to seamlessly connect the world while ensuring the swift, reliable, and efficient flow of goods.
Badr Abbas, Senior Vice President of Cargo, stated: “In 2025, we established our core business pillars, broadened our global network, and innovated our operational products to meet current customer needs while anticipating future demands. The year 2026 is expected to mark a pivotal turning point for our fleet expansion, with the delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777 freighters by December, propelling our business growth to new heights and providing greater opportunities for network expansion, improved scheduling, enhanced flexibility of solutions, and increased value across our global network.”
A Reinforced Fleet and Extended Network
In 2025, Emirates SkyCargo received its first new Boeing 777 freighter, followed by two more in the subsequent months, allowing for the retirement of older aircraft and fulfilling the company’s commitment to operate one of the most modern cargo fleets globally. The current fleet consists of 11 Boeing 777 freighters, along with five Boeing 747s under operational leasing. Additionally, the first passenger aircraft has entered the conversion program to become a freighter, gearing up for full operation in 2026. By the end of next year, Emirates SkyCargo aims to operate a fleet of about 21 freighters, significantly increasing capacities and enhancing its ability to meet the growing global demand for express cargo services.
To expand its destination network, the company launched new cargo flights to eight key locations in 2025, including Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh, and Hanoi. It also strengthened services to high-demand destinations such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Johannesburg by adding additional weekly flights, raising its service frequency to Hanoi to four flights per week to accommodate rising demand. As a result, Emirates SkyCargo now serves 42 global destinations across six continents, with plans to increase this number in 2026.
Global Strategic Partnerships
The company continued to bolster its international partnerships with over 180 air transport partners worldwide, enhancing its capability to provide comprehensive and reliable cargo solutions. Throughout the year, Emirates SkyCargo forged new partnerships with companies in Africa and Southeast Asia, enabling seamless connectivity with major and secondary airports in two rapidly growing business opportunity regions. Existing strategic partnerships with major airlines, including Air Canada, United, and Virgin Atlantic, were also reinforced to support the global network and ensure comprehensive coverage across the globe.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
2025 witnessed advancements in digital operations, with approximately 80% of shipments booked digitally through the “eSkyCargo” platform, featuring direct integration via APIs and external digital marketplaces, streamlining customer experience and improving operational efficiency. Moreover, Emirates SkyCargo became the first carrier in the region to adopt Pay Cargo’s instant payment solution, enabling credit or debit card payments instead of cash. The company plans to further develop its digital tools in 2026 to deliver a more integrated and effective customer experience.
Innovative and Specialized Solutions
Emirates SkyCargo maintained its position as a preferred provider for a variety of cargo types, from pets to high-performance vehicles, with the launch of “Emirates Express Cargo” for door-to-door delivery, which expanded to include Australia and Germany within just a few months, with plans to extend to major economies worldwide in 2026.
Additionally, the company introduced its aviation and engineering sector to offer services for transporting aircraft engines and grounded aircraft, recording a 100% growth in individual engine transports compared to 2024, and successfully transporting the Arab Satellite 813, reflecting the precision and professionalism in its advanced solutions.
The “Fresh” solutions for transporting perishable foods grew by 10%, while “Vital” solutions for pharmaceutical shipments surged by 54%, and “Secure” solutions for electronic devices witnessed a 30% increase, ensuring products arrive fresh and secure in record time.
Roadmap for 2026
In 2026, Emirates SkyCargo aims to double its current capacity, add 20 new cargo destinations, improve infrastructure, enhance digital innovation, and expand its partner network. The company also targets the implementation of hydrogen-powered trucks and is exploring the use of drones for last-mile delivery, solidifying its role as a global leader in air cargo, while delivering innovative and intelligent solutions that align with the demands of the digital economy and future supply chains.