Emirates SkyCargo has outlined an ambitious roadmap for 2026 after a year of heavy investment in fleet expansion, network growth, digital transformation and new product development.
The cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline said the initiatives undertaken over the past 12 months have positioned it for accelerated growth, improved connectivity and greater efficiency across its global operations.
Speaking on the outlook, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said 2025 laid the foundation for the airline’s next phase of expansion.
“In 2025, we built the runway for what comes next. We strengthened the core pillars of our business by expanding our network and innovating with our product portfolio and operations to deliver what our customers need today – and tomorrow. 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for our fleet expansion, with the expected delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777Fs by December,” he said.
According to Abbas, the additional aircraft will unlock new opportunities for network and scheduling expansion, enhance flexibility and enable the airline to deliver greater value across its global footprint.
Fleet Expansion and Network Growth
Emirates SkyCargo took delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter early in 2025, followed by two more aircraft in subsequent months, allowing the retirement of older planes and reinforcing its commitment to operating one of the youngest cargo fleets globally.
The fleet currently comprises 11 Boeing 777 freighters and five wet-leased Boeing 747s. The airline has also begun converting its first passenger aircraft into a full freighter, with operations expected to commence in 2026. By the end of next year, Emirates SkyCargo aims to operate at least 21 freighters, significantly boosting cargo capacity.
In line with its long-term network strategy, the airline launched freighter services to eight new destinations in 2025—Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh (KTI) and Hanoi. High-demand routes including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg also received additional weekly frequencies. By year-end, Emirates SkyCargo served 42 freighter destinations across six continents.
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The airline further strengthened its global reach through new interline partnerships, including agreements with Astral Aviation in Africa and Teleport in Southeast Asia, enhancing access to primary, secondary and tertiary airports in key growth markets. Existing partnerships with airlines such as Air Canada, United and Virgin Atlantic were also reinforced.
Operational Upgrades and Digital Transformation
Alongside plans for a new cargo facility at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Emirates SkyCargo continued investing in its current infrastructure. The airline upgraded its ground transport operations with the delivery of 40 Euro 6 low-emission trucks, with an additional five hydrogen-powered trucks expected by the first quarter of 2026.
The airline also partnered with LODD Autonomous to explore the feasibility of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft for first- and last-mile cargo delivery throughout 2026.
Digital adoption remained a major focus, with nearly 80 per cent of shipments booked digitally by December 2025, driven largely by the eSkyCargo platform, third-party marketplaces and direct API integrations. Emirates SkyCargo also became the first carrier in the region to adopt PayCargo’s instant payment solution, replacing traditional cash-based transactions.
New Products and Specialised Solutions
In 2025, Emirates SkyCargo maintained its position as a preferred carrier for diverse shipments, ranging from household pets to high-value industrial cargo.
A major highlight was the launch of Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that has already expanded to Australia and Germany. The solution has delivered over 50,000 packages, achieving an average delivery time of three days globally and one day between the UK and UAE.
The airline also introduced its Aerospace and Engineering vertical, including enhanced aircraft-on-ground (AOG) services and a specialised aircraft engines offering. Movement of individual engines increased by 100 per cent year-on-year, with demand expected to rise further as new aircraft join the fleet.
The Fresh vertical, dedicated to perishables such as food and flowers, grew by 10 per cent, uplifting an additional 25,700 tonnes compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the Vital pharmaceutical solution recorded a 54 per cent increase in volume, with Emirates SkyCargo now transporting 2,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products weekly.
Demand for the airline’s Secure solution rose by 30 per cent, driven by increased production of electronic devices in Vietnam and India, supported through a mix of freighter and sea-air services.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, Emirates SkyCargo said it plans to double its current capacity, add 20 new freighter destinations, and continue shaping the future of global logistics through digital-first, customer-centric solutions.
The airline said the strong foundation laid in 2025 positions it to deliver long-term value while maintaining its leadership role in the global air cargo industry.
