Emirates SkyCargo has outlined plans for 2026 following investment in fleet expansion, network growth and digital products over the past year.
The cargo division operates 11 Boeing 777Fs and five wet-leased Boeing 747s. It expects to receive up to 10 Boeing 777Fs by December 2026, which will bring the fleet to at least 21 freighters.
“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, offer more flexibility to scale our solutions and enable us to deliver even greater value across our global network,” Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said in a statement.
Emirates SkyCargo expands freighter network to 42 destinations across six continents
The carrier launched freighter services to eight destinations in 2025: Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh and Hanoi. Hanoi was increased to four-weekly service. Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg received additional frequencies.
Emirates SkyCargo now serves 42 destinations across six continents with freighter services.
The carrier signed agreements with Astral Aviation in February and Teleport in April to expand connectivity to airports in Africa and Southeast Asia. It maintains partnerships with Air Canada, United and Virgin Atlantic. The network includes over 180 interline partners.
By December 2025, almost 80 per cent of shipments were booked through digital channels, led by eSkyCargo, third-party marketplaces and direct customer API integrations.
Emirates SkyCargo became the first carrier in the region to adopt PayCargo’s solution for instant payments via credit card or direct debit.
The carrier took delivery of 40 Euro 6 trucks from MAN Trucks. Five hydrogen-powered trucks will arrive by Q1 2026.
Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous will collaborate on the development and feasibility of VTOL aircraft for first and last mile delivery throughout 2026.
Emirates Courier Express delivers 50,000 packages with three-day average delivery time
Emirates Courier Express, the door-to-door delivery solution, launched in 2025 and expanded to Australia and Germany. The service has delivered over 50,000 packages with an average delivery time of three days across the network and one day between the UK and UAE. Launches into other markets are planned for 2026.
The carrier launched the Aerospace and Engineering vertical with an AOG service and Aircraft Engines offering. Engine movements increased by 100 per cent compared to the previous year. Emirates SkyCargo transported Arab Satellite 813 from Al Ain to Shanghai.
The Fresh vertical, dedicated to perishables, grew by 10 per cent, uplifting an additional 25,700 tonnes compared to 2024. The carrier moves perishables from farm to table in as little as 24 hours.
Volume on Vital, the service for pharmaceutical shipments, increased by 54 per cent. Emirates SkyCargo moves 2,000 tonnes of pharma every week.
The Secure solution for mobile phones and personal electronic devices grew by 30 per cent, driven by manufacturing in Vietnam and India. The carrier used freighter services and SEA-AIR to meet demand.
Emirates SkyCargo transported over 14,600 pets and the first prototype of the Koenigsegg supercar to Mille Miglia in the UAE during 2025.
The carrier plans to double capacity, add 20 freighter destinations and develop digital products and services as part of its strategy for 2026.
