Emirates SkyCargo is closing the year with a clear and ambitious roadmap for 2026, following a milestone period defined by fleet investment, network expansion, digital transformation and the launch of new, specialised products. Building on the momentum of the past 12 months, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline is positioning itself for its next phase of global growth, focused on speed, reliability and customer-led innovation.
Reflecting on the year, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said 2025 laid the foundation for what lies ahead. He noted that the airline strengthened its core capabilities by expanding its network, refining operations and innovating across its product portfolio to meet both current and future customer needs. According to him, 2026 will be a pivotal year for fleet growth, with the expected delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777 freighters by December. This additional capacity is set to unlock new opportunities for network expansion, improved scheduling flexibility and enhanced value across Emirates SkyCargo’s global operations.
Fleet modernisation remained a central focus throughout the year. Emirates SkyCargo took delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighters early in the year, followed by two more in subsequent months, enabling the retirement of older aircraft and reinforcing its commitment to operating one of the youngest cargo fleets in the industry. The fleet now comprises 11 Boeing 777 freighters and five wet-leased Boeing 747s. In parallel, the first Emirates passenger aircraft entered the conversion programme and is expected to begin operations as a dedicated freighter in 2026. By the end of next year, the airline aims to operate a minimum of 21 freighters, significantly increasing its cargo capacity.
Network expansion also gathered pace. In 2025, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services to eight new destinations: Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh and Hanoi. High-demand markets such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg benefited from additional weekly frequencies, while Hanoi was quickly ramped up to four weekly services to meet rising demand. By year-end, the airline’s freighter network spanned 42 destinations across six continents.
Strategic partnerships continued to play a key role in extending Emirates SkyCargo’s reach. The airline strengthened its interline network of more than 180 partners, signing new agreements with Africa-based Astral Aviation and Southeast Asia’s Teleport. These partnerships enhance connectivity to primary, secondary and tertiary airports in fast-growing trade regions. Existing collaborations with global carriers including Air Canada, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic were also reinforced to ensure seamless access worldwide.
Operational resilience and sustainability remained priorities as Emirates SkyCargo continued to invest in its current infrastructure while planning its future facility at Al Maktoum International Airport. The airline upgraded its ground transport capabilities with the delivery of 40 Euro 6 trucks from MAN, introducing low-emission and driver-focused technology. Looking ahead, five hydrogen-powered trucks are expected to join the fleet by the first quarter of 2026, marking a key step in the gradual transition to alternative fuel vehicles. The airline also partnered with LODD Autonomous to explore the feasibility of VTOL aircraft for first- and last-mile cargo delivery, with development and testing planned throughout 2026.
Digital transformation gained further momentum, with nearly 80% of all Emirates SkyCargo shipments booked digitally by December 2025. Growth was driven primarily by the airline’s eSkyCargo platform, complemented by third-party digital marketplaces and direct API integrations. The airline also became the first in the region to adopt PayCargo’s instant payment solution, replacing traditional cash transactions with faster credit card and direct debit options. Additional digital enhancements are planned for 2026 to further streamline the customer journey.
Product innovation remained a defining feature of the year. Emirates SkyCargo continued to handle a diverse range of shipments, from transporting more than 14,600 pets to moving the first-ever prototype of a Koenigsegg supercar to the UAE. A major highlight was the launch of Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery solution that has already expanded to Australia and Germany. The service has delivered over 50,000 packages to date, with an average delivery time of three days globally and just one day between the UK and UAE. Further expansion into major global economies is planned for 2026.
The airline also introduced its Aerospace and Engineering vertical, featuring enhanced aircraft-on-ground services and a dedicated aircraft engines solution. Demand surged, with a 100% increase in individual engine movements compared to the previous year. The transport of Arab Satellite 813 from Al Ain to Shanghai showcased the precision and reliability of the new offering.
Emirates SkyCargo’s Fresh product recorded a 10% increase in volumes, uplifting an additional 25,700 tonnes of perishables compared to 2024. The Vital service, dedicated to pharmaceutical shipments, saw a 54% rise in volumes as demand for clinical trials and advanced therapies grew, with the airline now moving around 2,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals every week. Meanwhile, increased production of electronic devices in Vietnam and India drove a 30% rise in demand for the Secure solution, supported by a mix of freighter and sea-air services.
As it looks to 2026, Emirates SkyCargo plans to build on this strong foundation by doubling its current capacity, adding 20 new freighter destinations and continuing to shape the future of global logistics through smart, digital-first solutions that respond to evolving trade needs worldwide.
