Emirates announced that it has ordered another 5 Boeing 777 freighters, bringing its total orders thus far to 14. They are planned for delivery in 2025/26, as the airline advances on its strategy to operate a 21-strong freighter fleet by DEC26, doubling its fleet size in the space of just two years. It also recently signed a multi-year lease extension with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise for 4 Boeing 777Fs in its existing 11-strong fleet mix of B777F and B747F. Plus, it still plans to convert 10 passenger Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters. Cargo space in the bellies of its large wide-body passenger fleet made up of a mix of B777, A350, and A380, complements its capacity offer. Despite the large freighter order already pending, Emirates also announced that it would be coming to a decision before the end of 2024 on what its freighter fleet will look like from 2028/2029 onwards. Both the Boeing 777-8F as well as the Airbus A350-1000F are under discussion, as Emirates plans for continued future growth.
That growth will be stimulated by the Dubai government’s plans to develop Al Maktoum International airport (DWC) into the world’s largest cargo hub, capable of handling an annual 12 million tons of cargo. Dubai is also creating a Logistics District near to the airport, that should serve as an international base for global cargo and shipping companies, as the Emirate aims to become the leading multi-modal cargo hub for air, sea and land connections.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, explained: “We’re investing in new freighter aircraft to meet surging demand and provide our customers around the world with even more flexibility, connectivity, and options to leverage market opportunity. Demand for Emirates’ air cargo services has been booming. This reflects Dubai’s growing prominence as a preferred and trusted global logistics hub, and also the success of Emirates SkyCargo’s bespoke solutions that address the needs of shippers in different industry sectors.”
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “Emirates continues to set the direction for our industry, and we deeply appreciate the trust they have placed in the Boeing widebody family to serve as the backbone of their global fleet. We are proud to support Emirates SkyCargo’s growth as it relies on the performance and versatility of our 777 Freighter to further connect the world.”
