Emirates SkyCargo maps 2026 capacity growth with fleet, network push

Emirates SkyCargo has outlined its logistics priorities for 2026 after a year marked by fleet expansion, network additions, digital adoption and new cargo products. The cargo arm of Emirates said investments made in 2025 have positioned it to scale capacity and connectivity as trade flows evolve.

“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, fuelling our next era of growth. This influx of capacity unlocks opportunities for network and scheduling expansions, offers more flexibility to scale our solutions and enables us to deliver even greater value across our global network,” said Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo.

Fleet renewal and capacity expansion formed a central plank of the carrier’s logistics strategy in 2025. Emirates SkyCargo inducted Boeing 777Fs during the year, enabling the retirement of older aircraft. The fleet now comprises 11 Boeing 777Fs and five wet-leased Boeing 747 freighters. The airline has also begun converting passenger aircraft into freighters, with operations planned to commence in 2026. By the end of next year, Emirates SkyCargo aims to operate at least 21 freighters, adding capacity across long-haul and regional trade lanes.

Network expansion continued alongside fleet growth, with new freighter services launched to Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh and Hanoi. Additional frequencies were added to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg to support high-volume corridors. Hanoi was scaled up to four weekly services within months of launch. By year-end, the carrier served 42 freighter destinations across six continents.

Interline partnerships were expanded to extend reach beyond primary hubs. Emirates SkyCargo signed new agreements with Africa-based Astral Aviation and Southeast Asia’s Teleport, targeting connectivity into secondary and tertiary airports. Existing partnerships with airlines, including Air Canada, United and Virgin Atlantic, were reinforced to support global coverage.

On the ground, the airline continued to invest in logistics infrastructure while planning its future cargo hub at Al Maktoum International Airport. Its on-road fleet was upgraded with 40 Euro 6 trucks from MAN Trucks. Five hydrogen-powered trucks are scheduled for delivery by the first quarter of 2026. The airline also announced collaboration with LODD Autonomous to assess VTOL aircraft for first- and last-mile cargo delivery during 2026.

Digitalisation remained a key operational focus. By December 2025, close to 80 per cent of all shipments were booked digitally, led by eSkyCargo, third-party marketplaces and direct API integrations. Emirates SkyCargo also adopted PayCargo to enable instant payments via card or direct debit, replacing cash-based processes. Further digital enhancements are planned in 2026 to streamline customer interactions.

New products and verticals were deployed to address specialised logistics demand. Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door cross-border delivery service, expanded into Australia and Germany within months of launch. The service has handled more than 50,000 packages, with an average delivery time of three days across the network and one day between the UK and UAE.

The airline also launched an aerospace and engineering vertical, including aircraft on ground and aircraft engine transport services. Engine movements doubled year on year, supported by demand from global operators. The airline transported the first prototype of a Koenigsegg supercar to the Mille Miglia event in the UAE and moved Arab Satellite 813 from Al Ain to Shanghai under the new vertical.

Perishables continued to account for the largest share of cargo volumes, with the fresh product growing 10 per cent year on year and adding 25,700 tonnes compared to 2024. Emirates SkyCargo said the implementation of UAE Comprehensive Economic Agreements is supporting faster farm-to-table movements, in some cases within 24 hours.

Healthcare logistics also recorded growth, with volumes under the Vital pharmaceutical service rising 54 per cent, driven by clinical trials and advanced therapies. The airline is currently moving around 2,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical cargo each week. Electronics shipments from Vietnam and India lifted demand for the Secure product, with volumes rising 30 per cent, supported by freighter capacity and sea-air combinations.

Looking ahead, Emirates SkyCargo said its 2026 roadmap includes doubling current capacity, adding 20 new freighter destinations and expanding digital-first logistics products to support global trade flows.