Emirates SkyCargo, the air freight division of the world’s largest international airline, has announced the provision of over 21,000 tons of weekly freight capacity connecting East and Southeast Asia. This expansion coincides with the launch of Emirates’ service to Hangzhou, China, marking the airline’s enhanced presence in the region. Emirates SkyCargo now operates across 25 gateways in 12 countries and territories.
The East and Southeast Asian region is recognized as one of the most prosperous global economic corridors, necessitating significant air cargo capacity to facilitate the transportation of goods worldwide. Emirates SkyCargo operates dedicated freighter aircraft to nine locations in this region, with a frequency of 44 weekly flights, the highest among the carrier’s global network. Additionally, the airline supports this capacity by conducting 13 charter flights weekly to and from East Asia, ensuring stable supply links between Asian markets and Europe as well as the Middle East. These operations run alongside 311 passenger flights per week, leveraging a combination of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft to transport travelers and freight.
Thanks to this robust flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft departs from East or Southeast Asia approximately every 30 minutes.
Abdullah Khalaf, Vice President for Commercial Cargo in the East Asia and Australasia region, noted, “The East and Southeast Asian regions are significant drivers of the future of logistics and global trade, serving not merely as vital components of our international network. From advanced manufacturing centers to rapidly growing consumer markets, this region continues to propel global trade flows. Our ongoing investments and strategy for growth in this area demonstrate our commitment to enhancing capacity, expanding our destination network, and fostering partnerships to meet rising demand.”
Promoting Economic Growth
As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing, as well as home to a flourishing agricultural sector, markets in East and Southeast Asia serve as key locations for Emirates SkyCargo. The airline transports over 450 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and other perishable goods weekly, alongside 100 tons of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, 75 tons of electronics, semiconductors, and smart devices, and 180 tons of clothing, plus over 1,300 tons of e-commerce shipments.
The “Air Silk Road,” a network of flight paths, logistics centers, and maritime infrastructure that echoes historical trade routes, serves as a rapid and efficient link between the region and global markets. With a vast network comprising over 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo plays a critical role in facilitating international trade and supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative by providing fast and reliable connections to more than 50 participating countries.
Alongside its network and operational capacity, Emirates SkyCargo has established a strategic partnership with Teleport, the exclusive freight partner of the AirAsia group, to promote the growing trade between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world through Dubai. By expanding access to over 100 major and secondary regional airports, Emirates SkyCargo can enhance its global services, increasing capacity and flexibility while reaching new markets in Asia, thereby better connecting businesses in Southeast Asia to Europe, the United States, and Canada.
Emirates has demonstrated its leadership in the region since its operations began in East Asia. In September 2002, Emirates SkyCargo launched dedicated freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai, establishing the first direct air link between the Middle East and mainland China, just 18 months prior to initiating passenger flights.
The airline continued its pioneering journey in 2025 by introducing weekly freighter services to Narita International Airport in Japan, marking the first scheduled direct cargo service between Narita and the Middle East, which facilitates quicker and more flexible transport of pharmaceuticals, semiconductor components, and large or unconventional shipments like machinery parts.
As Emirates SkyCargo continues to pursue its ambitious growth strategy over the next decade, the East and Southeast Asian markets will remain a priority for capacity expansion, whether through additional flight schedules or new destinations. By enhancing connectivity in the region while maintaining seamless links with key global markets, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to play a vital role in supporting global supply chains, contributing to mutual economic growth, and shaping the future of global logistics services.