Emirates SkyCargo has set out its priorities for 2026 following what it described as a milestone year marked by fleet expansion, network growth and the launch of new digital and delivery products.
The cargo division of Emirates Airline expects to take delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777 freighters by the end of 2026, significantly increasing capacity and enabling further network expansion. The carrier currently operates 11 Boeing 777Fs, supported by five wet-leased Boeing 747s, and plans to grow its dedicated freighter fleet to at least 21 aircraft by the end of next year.
Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice president of Emirates SkyCargo, said, “In 2025, we built the runway for what comes next – 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for our fleet expansion, with expected delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777Fs by December, fueling our next era of growth.”
During 2025, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services to eight new destinations, including Copenhagen, Narita, Mumbai and Hanoi, while increasing frequencies to high-demand markets such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg. By year-end, the airline served 42 freighter destinations across six continents.
Partnerships also remained a focus, with new agreements signed with Astral Aviation in Africa and Teleport in Southeast Asia to extend reach into secondary and tertiary markets. Emirates SkyCargo continues to work with established partners including Air Canda, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
On the ground, the airline invested in modernizing its logistics operations, adding 40 Euro 6 trucks to its road fleet and confirming plans to introduce five hydrogen-powered trucks in early 2026. It is also working with LODD Autonomous to assess the feasibility of VTOL aircraft for first- and last-mile cargo delivery.
Digitalization remains central to Emirates SkyCargo’s strategy. By December 2025, nearly 80% of shipments were booked digitally, driven by its eSkyCargo platform, third-party marketplaces and direct API integrations. According to the company, it also became the first carrier in the region to adopt PayCargo’s instant digital payment solution.
Product innovation continued with the expansion of Emirates Courier Express, its door-to-door delivery service. Since launch, the product has delivered more than 50,000 packages, with services now operating in Australia and Germany and further rollouts planned in 2026.
Specialised logistics also saw strong growth, including increased demand for aerospace, perishables, pharmaceuticals and secure electronics transportation. Volumes for its Vital pharmaceutical service rose by 54% year-on-year, while Secure shipments increased by 30%.
Looking ahead, Emirates SkyCargo says it plans to double capacity over the long term, add 20 new freighter destinations and continue developing digital-first logistics solutions to support global e-commerce and express delivery growth.
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