Emirates SkyCargo has added two Boeing 747-400F to its fleet on a long-term wet lease agreement with the aim of adding capacity immediately.
The Dubai-based airline’s cargo division expects to take delivery of a further fifteen aircraft in the near future from already announced orders and its conversion programme.
Moreover, deliveries of new passenger aircraft from 2024 onwards would improve belly-hold capacity on scheduled flights. In a press release, the company remarked that it plans to double its total capacity over the next decade.
See also: Emirates and Air Canada sign agreement to boost their cargo networks
Emirates SkyCargo plans to expand
The two new Boeing 747-400F will add capacity immediately. But the company expects to take delivery of five new Boeing 777F in 2024 and 2025, as well as of ten 777-300ER to be converted to freighters over the next five years. The current fleet of consists of eleven 777F.
«While the current market volatility may cause others to hesitate, Emirates SkyCargo is pushing full steam ahead with our plans», said Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates’ cargo division.
«Combine that Dubai’s strategy to double its foreign trade where multi-modal logistics will play a big role, and the economic activity happening in markets around the Gulf, West Asia, and Africa, and the opportunity for Emirates SkyCargo is clear», Sultan explained.
He also noted that the new aircraft will allow for expanded services and connection options to the airline’s core network and provide greater flexibility to better serve different customers.
Emirates SkyCargo returns to the Boeing 747-400F
This is not the first time Emirates SkyCargo uses this type of freighter. Previously, it has operated a dozen aircraft over a period of almost twenty years.
Like the new airplanes, they all operated on a lease basis. The first aircraft joined the fleet in January 2001, while the last one returned to Cargolux Italia, its owner, in early 2020.
See also: New commercial agreement between Emirates SkyCargo and United Cargo
