Emirates SkyCargo has revealed plans to double capacity across the next decade to meet the demand they’re seeing.
As a result of the expansion plans, they’ll lease two 747 freighters with immediate effect. The 747F is believed to be the solution to the freighter’s needs with an immediate capacity increase away from their existing 777 freighters.
Emirates SkyCargo once previously operated 747 freighters, and news they’ll lease two marks the return after a multi-year absence.
While the SkyCargo brand will be boosted, Emirates also believes the addition of the A350s and, eventually, 777X will provide them with further opportunities in the belly of the aircraft to transport cargo.
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 show an upward trajectory of between 3-5%. Combine 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, and the opportunity for Emirates SkyCargo is clear.
Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates says their SkyCargo division will benefit from the 747s capacity, which will complement the 777Fs, especially as they await delivery of new 777 freighters in 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, they’ll also look towards conversions of passenger aircraft in the future, the target being 777s.
