The two Belgian Malinois dogs are now undergoing advanced integration training alongside park rangers. Since arriving in Zimbabwe, Vega and Kuda, part of the park’s first specialist conservation K9 team, have participated in more than 185 hours of practical training with six specialist K9 handlers. In just over a month, the dogs have completed more than 60 human-scent tracking exercises and have consistently demonstrated their capabilities to track illegal poaching activity. The first phase of the programme has also delivered tangible outcomes including the implementation of welfare and Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) for the dogs providing a sustainable operating framework for the K9 unit.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “At Emirates SkyCargo, we believe that the protection of wildlife is a core responsibility and we are delighted to partner with Dogs 4 Wildlife to support their mission to protect endangered ecosystems. Transporting live animals by air requires the highest standards of safety, precision and care and we are proud to leverage Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class handling expertise and infrastructure to transport Vega and Kuda from the UK to Zimbabwe on our flights. We are sure that the dogs will make a strong contribution, working in the front lines protecting the wildlife of Matusadona National Park.”

Emirates SkyCargo is deeply committed to protecting wildlife and takes a zero-tolerance approach to illegal wildlife trafficking. The carrier has placed a total ban on the transportation of hunting trophies and has trained its global frontline teams to identify, report and respond to potential wildlife trafficking risks. Emirates is one of the founding signatories of the Buckingham Palace Declaration, working with United for Wildlife to contribute to the industry-wide efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

Emirates’ Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Awareness Workshop in Dubai

As part of its ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, Emirates recently convened a multi-stakeholder workshop in Dubai focused on raising awareness of Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) and strengthening operational coordination across the aviation ecosystem. The interactive workshop brought together representatives from across the Emirates Group and key UAE authorities and other stakeholders including the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment, Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, Dubai Airports, Al Ain Municipality and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Through real-world case studies and scenario-based discussions, participants examined approaches to early detection, escalation procedures, cross-entity coordination, animal welfare and biosecurity considerations. The initiative reinforces Emirates' commitment to enhancing industry collaboration, strengthening frontline preparedness, and supporting collective efforts to prevent wildlife trafficking through Dubai.

Dubai/ London 03 August 2026- Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, is flying the best of British exports across diverse sectors from delicate seasonal produce to high-performance engineering and lifesaving pharmaceuticals on its flights. The air cargo carrier transported over 57,000 tonnes of exports from the UK during FY 2025-26 to the rest of its global network, an increase of 11% from the previous year (FY 2024-25).  Between April and June 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has seen exports from the UK growing at 7% when compared to the same period last year.

Khawla Abdulla, VP Cargo Commercial Europe, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “The strong growth in exports from the UK reflects the increasing importance of fast, reliable and globally connected logistics networks in enabling international trade. Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in linking businesses across UK and Europe with high-growth markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia, providing seamless access to customers around the world. By bridging UK’s regional production centres directly to our expanding global network via our hub in Dubai and through our specialised cargo solutions, we continue to strengthen the flow of trade supporting industries ranging from life sciences and aerospace to perishables and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, we ensure that customers around the world have rapid access to premium international products. As demand continues to grow, Emirates SkyCargo remains committed to connecting businesses with opportunities worldwide.”

Building on its strong performance, Emirates SkyCargo is supporting continued growth in UK exports, delivering the best of UK innovation globally with particular focus on the aerospace, life sciences and perishables exports. The cargo carrier offers wide body cargo connectivity on over 140 weekly flights from eight UK gateways including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted. 

Aerospace and Advanced Technology

One of the global leaders in the aerospace industry, the UK remains at the forefront of driving new technologies and innovations. Between January and June 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has transported over 570 tonnes of aircraft parts and aerospace components from the UK to Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised product in the Aerospace and Engineering vertical, AOG, grew by more than 300% year-on-year between Jan and June 2026, highlighting the carrier’s ability to provide rapid and reliable logistics for critical aviation requirements. 

Beyond aerospace, Emirates SkyCargo has transported high-value technology infrastructure, including data centre equipment and server racks from the UK to global markets. 

The majority of high-tech equipment and aerospace components transported by Emirates SkyCargo originate from manufacturing and engineering clusters around Manchester and London, with these airports serving as key gateways linking these products directly to international markets.

With specialised handling capabilities and a global network, Emirates SkyCargo enables the seamless transport of critical technology assets to markets worldwide. 

Life Sciences

Emirates SkyCargo has also played a key role in transporting world-class life sciences products whether pharmaceuticals, biologics or clinical trial medications from the UK to other markets. In the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 1600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals on its aircraft from the UK. The carrier also carried more than 26 tonnes of clinical trial medications from the market. 

Newcastle is among the carrier's key regional gateways for pharmaceutical exports, serving a major life sciences manufacturing base in the Northeast and enabling time and temperature sensitive products to connect rapidly with markets worldwide. 

With its modern fleet, GDP certified infrastructure as well as specialised multi-tier offerings for time and temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, Emirates SkyCargo continues to be an industry leader in the global movement of pharmaceuticals by air. 

Food & Perishables

Over the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has been a key enabler of exports for British farms and food producers. The carrier facilitated the exports of specialty food from the UK, including more than 1500 tonnes of Scottish Shellfish as well as over 1200 tonnes of smoked salmon to international markets around the world. Much of the Scottish seafood transported by Emirates SkyCargo is shipped directly from Glasgow and Edinburgh, enabling exporters to reach international markets faster and helping premium products arrive fresher to consumers around the world. 

Over 1000 tonnes of food items were flown from the UK to the UAE during this period- the equivalent of 10 fully loaded B777 freighter aircraft. 250 tonnes of strawberries and more than 150 tonnes of cheese were among some of the food items flown to Dubai. 

With Emirates Fresh, the carrier’s specialised product for perishables with three service levels designed for different handling requirements, Emirates SkyCargo ensures that items like fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat are protected from origin to destination. 

Supporting other verticals

In addition to the above verticals, Emirates SkyCargo also facilitated movement of premium automobiles manufactured in the UK and precious works of art to museums and collections around the world.  

Emirates Courier Express, Emirates SkyCargo’s  door to door cross-border delivery solution for businesses is also helping British businesses and retailers in fashion and other consumer goods and components reach global customers. 

Protecting wildlife

Over and above the movement of trade goods, Emirates SkyCargo also remains committed to the protection of wildlife and habitats around the world. Recently the carrier supported British charity Dogs 4 Wildlife to transport two conservation dogs trained in the UK to Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe. The dogs are working alongside rangers on the frontlines of the park protecting the wildlife of the park from illegal poaching activities. Emirates is one of the founding signatories of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. The airline is a global leader in the fight against trafficking and exploitation of wildlife.

 About Emirates SkyCargo

Emirates SkyCargo is an important facilitator of trade across international markets offering cargo capacity on Emirates’ fleet of over 280 aircraft including dedicated freighters. The cargo carrier has embarked on an ambitious programme of fleet and network expansion to keep up with global demand for air cargo capacity. Since March 2026, the airline has taken delivery of six new Boeing 777-F production freighters and its first Boeing 777-300ERSF converted from a passenger aircraft. Four additional Boeing 777-F production freighters and the second Boeing 777-300ERSF will join Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter fleet by the end of 2026. 

Customers can contact their local Emirates SkyCargo office or visit skycargo.com for more information on flights and services available to them.

However, unlike other dedicated freighters in Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet, A6-EBK, a Boeing 777-300ERSF, is not a factory produced freighter. Instead, it is a special freighter (SF) that has been converted from a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft from Emirates’ fleet.

Transforming a passenger configured 777-300ER into a cargo only aircraft was not simply a matter of removing seats and adding cargo doors. It was a complex process spanning several months that redesigned the aircraft’s structure, systems and operating philosophy to meet the demands of cargo transport. While maintaining the aircraft’s original aerodynamic performance and structural integrity without compromising operational safety, the conversion introduced extensive modifications to the fuselage, floor structure, loading systems, avionics, environmental controls and other systems within the aircraft.

Fuselage Modifications

As a first step, the aircraft’s interiors including seats, overhead stowage, galleys and lavatories were completely removed.  This allowed the team to modify the interior of the aircraft to accommodate cargo pallets.

A key characteristic of a freighter aircraft is its ability to carry large cargo pallets and this required the installation of a large maindeck cargo door. One of the most visible changes in the entire conversion process, creating the opening for this door required significant structural reinforcement and replacement of large sections of the fuselage structure.

Next, a rigid barrier with the ability to absorb any impact up to nine times the force of gravity (9G) was fitted at the front of the main deck, consistent with regulatory and safety configurations in a production freighter.

Freighters often carry a limited number of support staff in addition to the crew on long haul missions, such as grooms accompanying thoroughbred racehorses. To support the crew and additional members, a crew rest area and supplementary seating were installed during the conversion.

The flight deck was also modified to accommodate additional controls for environmental and safety systems optimised for the transportation of cargo.

Flooring and Cargo Management

In order to support heavier cargo pallets in the maindeck of the aircraft as compared to passengers, the floor structure used for passenger transport was completely removed and replaced with reinforced floor beams and a higher-capacity floor structure capable of supporting concentrated loads from heavy pallets and cargo handling equipment.

The conversion process included installation of a complete cargo loading system consisting of powered rollers, locks and guides was installed permitting ground crews to move large cargo units efficiently through the aircraft and secure them for flight. Additionally, an advanced cargo monitoring system including smoke detection and fire suppression was installed.

Aircraft Systems

Emirates SkyCargo offers a specialised suite of products to transport time and temperature sensitive cargo including life-saving medications and bio-innovations. This needs temperatures inside the aircraft to be maintained a specified ranges, sometimes as low as 5 degrees Centigrade. During the conversion, the environmental control system of the passenger aircraft was adapted to monitor and control airflow, ventilation, and temperature to support sensitive shipments such as pharmaceuticals and perishables. Other electrical systems were also modified to support the transportation of cargo.

Safety Certification & Final Preparations

Last but not the least, the conversion needed to achieve regulatory approval to show that the process met strict requirements around compliance with safety standards covering structural strength, systems reliability, fire protection and flight performance. This was demonstrated through extensive documentation, ground tests and flight evaluations before the aircraft could start transporting cargo.

Finally, the aircraft also received a full repaint and application of the latest Emirates SkyCargo livery ahead of its first commercial flight for Emirates SkyCargo.

Emirates SkyCargo is a global facilitator of trade transporting cargo across more than 150 destinations across six continents. The air cargo carrier has been steadily expanding its fleet in 2026 with six Boeing 777-F production freighters already delivered since March 2026 in addition to the converted freighter. The carrier is slated to receive a further four Boeing 777-F production freighters and one additional converted freighter later this year. This expansion of capacity is allowing Emirates SkyCargo to provide further customer choice and flexibility as well as support critical global supply chains and trade lanes.

Watch a video showcasing how an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft is converted into a Special Freighter

Dubai, UAE, 30 June 2026- Emirates is marking a significant milestone in the expansion of its cargo fleet by becoming the first airline cargo carrier* to deploy the Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger to freighter converted aircraft. The aircraft (A6-EBK) will enter commercial service with a flight from Hong Kong to Dubai carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo.

The converted Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF offers 100 tonnes of payload capacity and 811 m³ of cargo volume, representing a 25% increase in cargo volume over the Boeing 777-F production freighter. At 47 pallet positions, the converted aircraft also accommodates 10 additional pallet positions when compared with Boeing 777-F production freighter, making it ideal for transporting volumetric cargo such as e-commerce goods which currently constitute around 20% of global air cargo tonnage with further growth projected in the next few years.

Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said: “The induction of the first converted Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF into operational service represents the next step in the expansion of our fleet and operational agility. We are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods rapidly across the world.

“Combined with our growing fleet of Boeing 777-F production freighters, we have already been able to scale our global freighter network from just over 40 destinations in February this year to 62 destinations currently and growing. We are providing our global customers with scalable cargo capacity and ultimate flexibility and connectivity when moving cargo to and through our hub in Dubai.”

Ambitious fleet and network expansion

The converted Boeing 777-300ERSF is the sixth new freighter, following five Boeing 777-F production freighters, to join Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet since March 2026. As part of its ambitious expansion strategy, Emirates SkyCargo will also be taking delivery of five additional Boeing 777-F aircraft as well as one additional converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026. Emirates SkyCargo will also be introducing three additional converted Boeing 777-ERSFs into its fleet in 2027.

Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet and network expansion reaffirm the carrier’s commitment to play a larger role in supporting global trade, linking new destinations with businesses, and deepening connectivity to key production hubs already on the carrier's global network spanning six continents.

*combination carrier

An important facilitator of international trade, Emirates SkyCargo moved over 439,000 tonnes of cargo on its freighter and passenger flights from 12 markets in East and Southeast Asia in FY 25/26. This was an increase of around 5% from the cargo tonnage transported in FY24/25, representing the growing demand from businesses and exporters in the region to rapidly and securely transport goods to other parts of the world.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “East and Southeast Asia are key manufacturing zones for the global economy making major contributions in the production of high-tech goods, the export of perishables as well as being an important origin for global e-commerce flows. By deploying additional freighter flights and by expanding our freighter footprint in response to customer demand, we are providing the rapid connectivity that ensures that exporters can get their cargo quickly and safely to their end customers across the world. Emirates SkyCargo offers unmatched choice and flexibility, not just through our freighter flights to 12 cities in this region but also through our passenger flights offering wide body bellyhold capacity from 25 destinations to Dubai and beyond. Every week, customers in the East and Southeast Asian region have access to over 12,000 tonnes of cargo capacity to move their goods to destinations on Emirates’ global network.”

Scaling up freighter flights

Emirates SkyCargo is doubling freighter capacity to Narita Airport, Tokyo, increasing operations from one to two weekly freighter flights. The second weekly freighter serves Japan’s strong manufacturing industry across diverse sectors such as automotive, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

The air cargo carrier is growing up its flights to Hong Kong with 37 weekly freighter flights to accommodate maximum flexibility and choice for customers in this export-led economic corridor. Emirates SkyCargo has also expanded its freighter footprint into Central China with three weekly flights from Zhengzhou, connecting the industrial hub of Henan province to Dubai and beyond.

Emirates SkyCargo has restarted freighter flights from Singapore with a once weekly flight connecting to Dubai via Mumbai, forming a critical trade lane across Asia.

The air cargo carrier will also be doubling its footprint in Taiwan, boosting its service from one weekly to twice weekly freighters to Taipei in response to demand for movement of high-tech electronic cargo.

Emirates SkyCargo continues to experience robust demand for the once weekly freighter service to Bangkok supporting exports of sophisticated tech products, perishables, fashion and other consumer products.

The carrier also maintains its four weekly freighter services to Hanoi supporting exporters in Vietnam with rapid connectivity to Dubai and the Middle East, a large market for Vietnamese exports for perishables as well as to other global markets.

Extensive bellyhold wide-body capacity

In tandem with its dedicated freighter service, Emirates SkyCargo also harnesses the cargo capacity of its wide-body passenger flights to offer industries in East and Southeast Asia seamless, high-frequency and high-capacity cargo solutions. Currently the air cargo carrier provides capacity on over 320 passenger flights every week across the region.

Product Portfolio

Emirates SkyCargo offers a specialist product portfolio to safely transport goods that require specialised handling including

• Emirates Vulnerable offering secured and monitored air transport lanes for state-of-the-art electronics including global new product launches
• Emirates Fresh for the transportation of perishables and fresh produce
• Emirates Pharma for life saving medicines and Emirates Vital for transportation of clinical trials and bio-innovation materials.

Emirates SkyCargo also reinforced its commitment to customers in the East and Southeast Asian region with its presence at Air Cargo China 2026, Asia’s largest trade fair for the airfreight and air logistics industry, gathering major players and exporters. Between 24 and 26 June 2026, customers attending the event can directly engage with the Emirates SkyCargo team at stand W5.329. Other customers can visit skycargo.com to find more information on the services available to them.

·       The first phase will see Emirates SkyCargo transport specialist dogs from the UK to Zimbabwe, where they will support wildlife rangers at Matusadona National Park

·       Collaboration reinforces Emirates’ longstanding commitment to wildlife protection and efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking

Dubai/ London, 18 June 2026 - Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Dogs 4 Wildlife, a UK-based charity that protects endangered wildlife in Africa through the deployment of specialist conservation dogs. The first phase of the partnership will see Emirates SkyCargo transport dogs from the UK to Southern Africa, where they will work alongside wildlife park rangers to track poachers and strengthen conservation efforts.

The first two dogs, Vega and Kuda, both Belgian Malinois, are specialist human scent tracking dogs trained by Dogs 4 Wildlife for conservation operations. Selected for their exceptional drive, determination, and natural tracking abilities, Vega and Kuda will help form a new conservation K9 unit supporting wildlife protection efforts in Zimbabwe.

The dogs are scheduled to travel from London to Harare via Dubai in late June and will be deployed at Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park on their arrival.

Welfare-focused animal transportation services
Emirates SkyCargo, the air freight division of Emirates, transports cargo for businesses across Emirates’ global network. Through its specialist live animal transportation services, the airline provides reliable and welfare-focused transportation for animals. This is supported by dedicated handling processes, purpose-built facilities, and trained experts across its global network.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment. Through our partnership with Dogs 4 Wildlife, we are proud to support the deployment of highly trained conservation dogs, such as Vega and Kuda, across conservation initiatives. These animals will play a vital role in protecting endangered species and strengthening conservation efforts on the ground. This partnership reflects Emirates SkyCargo’s broader commitment to combatting illegal wildlife trade and supporting organisations that are creating meaningful impact for wildlife and global communities.”

Darren Priddle, Founder and Volunteer Trustee, Dogs 4 Wildlife, said: "We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Emirates SkyCargo on this important initiative. The deployment of conservation dogs such as Vega and Kuda represents far more than the transportation of two animals; it represents the movement of specialist conservation capability that will directly support wildlife rangers working on the front line of wildlife protection.

“At Dogs 4 Wildlife, our mission is to protect endangered species by providing highly trained conservation dogs and supporting the dedicated people who work tirelessly to safeguard wildlife every day. Having the support of a global organisation such as Emirates enables us to expand that impact and deliver proven conservation tools to the areas where they are needed most. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations from different sectors come together with a shared commitment to protecting wildlife for future generations."

A commitment to wildlife protection

The partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Dogs 4 Wildlife aligns closely with Emirates’ longstanding commitment to wildlife protection. The airline maintains a zero-tolerance approach to the illegal wildlife trade, including Emirates SkyCargo’s ban on the transportation of hunting trophies. Emirates SkyCargo also operates robust screening processes and works closely with industry partners, government authorities, and conservation organisations to help prevent the movement of illicit wildlife products through global supply chains. Since launching its illegal wildlife trade awareness programme, Emirates has trained more than 46,000 employees across its business, helping frontline teams identify, report and respond to potential wildlife trafficking risks. Emirates has also achieved IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification, which includes a dedicated wildlife module aligned with the Buckingham Palace Declaration.

The announcement comes as the industry and conservation community mark the 10th anniversary of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and gathers for the United for Wildlife High-Level Business Forum in London, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling illicit wildlife trade and protecting endangered species for future generations. Emirates has been involved with United for Wildlife since becoming a founding signatory of the Declaration and continues to contribute to industry-wide efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

Dubai, UAE, 10 June 2026- Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has announced that it will be launching dedicated weekly freighter flights on its Boeing 777F aircraft to Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan, commencing 16 June 2026. Almaty is Emirates SkyCargo’s first destination in Central Asia and the new weekly cargo flights from Dubai will help open a new trade corridor integrating the region into the carrier’s global network.

Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and a growing commercial and logistics hub serving as an important economic and trade gateway Central Asia. Emirates SkyCargo’s weekly freighter service on Tuesdays will provide over 100 tonnes of cargo capacity every week for the seamless movement of key commodities including electronics, perishables, machinery and other consumer goods between Almaty and the rest of the world through Dubai.

Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said: “Emirates SkyCargo’s weekly freighter service to Almaty is in line with our role as a global trade facilitator and is an important step in expanding our network and connectivity to Central Asia, a region that is experiencing dynamic growth. Our flights will provide new opportunities for businesses in Almaty and the surrounding region to scale their international operations while allowing our global customers convenient and rapid wide-body cargo connectivity to a strategic marketplace. The expansion into Almaty supports our long-term growth strategy and D33 Dubai Economic Agenda objectives, accelerating foreign trade and Dubai's standing as a global logistics hub.”

In line with growing global demand, Emirates SkyCargo is strategically expanding its freighter fleet and global network. The airline has taken delivery of four new Boeing 777 freighters since March 2026, with delivery of six more freighters lined up for the rest of the year taking Emirates freighter fleet to 21 aircraft by December 2026. Emirates SkyCargo offers scalable and flexible cargo capacity solutions for its global customers. In addition to dedicated freighter flights, the carrier also offers high frequency bellyhold cargo capacity on Emirates’ fleet of passenger aircraft operating to destinations across six continents.

Interested customers can contact their local Emirates SkyCargo office or visit skycargo.com for more information on flights and services available to them.

Dubai, UAE, 08 May 2026 – Emirates SkyCargo has further expanded its digital presence by integrating its world-class product and services on Pelicargo, a leading online platform for airfreight procurement and booking. The cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline is also the first carrier from the Middle East region to establish API connectivity with Pelicargo, enabling immediate bookings.

Over the last 12 months, Emirates SkyCargo has tracked the significant increase of customers based in the US switching to digital channels such as eSkyCargo and third-party marketplaces, coupled with a decline in manual transactions. By onboarding to Pelicargo, a marketplace with particular reach in the US, Emirates SkyCargo will be available to thousands of new customers, while freight forwarders are empowered with more control over their bookings, 24/7.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “The digital solutions that we have deployed globally have made a huge impact on the way we operate – from faster exchanges of critical information to more streamlined bookings. Onboarding to Pelicargo’s intuitive platform is the next step in our strategy, enabling us to better connect with both new and existing customers in the United States. As we enter our next phase of growth, digitalisation will continue to underpin our operations with the goal to provide flexible, efficient solutions to our global customers.”

Jon Acquaviva, Co-Founder & President, Pelicargo, said: “For us, it’s a natural fit — Emirates SkyCargo has built a reputation for excellence and forward-thinking innovation that aligns perfectly with our mission. We share a common vision: putting customers at the center and delivering locally relevant, digitally connected solutions that make air cargo faster and more accessible. We’re proud to partner with such an iconic and innovative carrier to help customers across the U.S. and beyond connect instantly with Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class network.”

Emirates SkyCargo’s five core products are available now on Pelicargo, including Fresh and Fresh Breathe, an integrated and responsive cool chain designed for perishables; Pharma, for temperature-controlled life sciences and healthcare shipments; Airfreight Priority for urgent shipments that depend on speed and reliability; and AirFreight for the quick and careful transport of general cargo.

Pelicargo is the fourth digital marketplace to host Emirates SkyCargo’s capacity, following cargo.one, CargoAi and WebCargo. This ensures Emirates SkyCargo is present wherever its customers want to book with a wide array of benefits including visibility on schedules, tariff and contract rates, real-time visibility on available capacity, and immediate bookings 24/7.

Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said: “Our freighter service to Toronto is an important milestone for Emirates SkyCargo as we continue to strategically expand our freighter fleet and network in line with evolving trade corridors. Exports from Canada to the UAE have been growing steadily in recent years, increasing 24% year on year between 2023 and 2024 facilitated by direct air connectivity and strong bilateral trade relations.

“Our weekly freighter to Toronto further amplifies this positive momentum, providing Canadian businesses with an additional 100 tons of export capacity every week over and above belly hold cargo capacity on Emirates passenger flights. Additionally, the flight will also provide important connectivity between Canada and one of its largest trading partners, the EU, on the inbound segment with a stop at Amsterdam.”

"The launch of Emirates' freighter service to Toronto Pearson is a significant milestone for our airport,” said Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer, Toronto Pearson. “As Canada’s largest air cargo hub, handling approximately 45 per cent of the country’s total, we play a critical role in fueling the economy by connecting Canadian businesses to global markets. This new service provides shippers with direct, reliable access to one of the world’s most expansive cargo networks and reflects continued confidence in Toronto Pearson as a strategic gateway for global trade.”

EK9943 departs Dubai World Central (DWC) airport at 07.10hrs local time on Fridays arriving at Amsterdam (AMS) at 12.15hrs local time. The flight then departs Amsterdam and continues to Toronto arriving at 16.55hrs local time.

EK9944 departs from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) airport at 19.15hrs local time on Fridays, arriving at Dubai World Central (DWC) at 16.15hrs on Saturdays local time.

The freighter service from Toronto will boost exports of commodities such as pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, electronics & components as well as other general cargo, supporting Canada’s high-value and time and temperature sensitive export sectors to Dubai and other parts of Emirates’ network. 

Between Amsterdam and Toronto, the freighter flight supports main deck cargo capacity for movement of pharmaceuticals, perishables and other manufactured goods from the EU to Canada. 

Leveraging a suite of specialised transportation solutions, Emirates SkyCargo ensures that cargo will be transported swiftly and efficiently from origin to destination, helping customers build more agile supply chains.

Emirates SkyCargo is an important facilitator of trade to and from Canada since start of passenger flight to Toronto in 2007.  More recently, the airline has transported over 11,000 tons of export cargo from Canada since 2023. Emirates’ freighter service to Toronto supplements the bellyhold cargo capacity offered on passenger flights between Dubai and Toronto and underlines Emirates’ long-term commitment to the Canadian market. In July 2023, Emirates SkyCargo also started offering cargo capacity on passenger flights to and from Montreal.

Emirates SkyCargo operates to a global network spanning six continents offering cargo capacity on Emirates’ fleet of over 270 aircraft including dedicated freighters. The cargo carrier has recently taken delivery of four new Boeing 777 freighters since March 2026 and will expand its fleet with a further six Boeing 777 freighter aircraft in 2026.

Customers can contact their local Emirates SkyCargo office or visit skycargo.com for more information on flights and services available to them. 

Emirates currently serves India with three weekly freighters – one to Mumbai and two to Ahmedabad – as well as bellyhold capacity in 167 passenger services to nine gateways. The new freighter service to Mumbai will launch on 4 March 2026, and connect Dubai, Singapore and India, while the Ahmedabad service will be a direct and dedicated freighter, and also launch in March. The airline expects to carry key commodities such as pharmaceuticals, fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishables as well as personal electronic devices on both freighters.

In addition to the freighters to India, Emirates SkyCargo will also deploy a dedicated weekly freighter to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from April 2026. This further expands the airline’s freighter network, reaffirming the burgeoning demand and Emirates SkyCargo’s longstanding commitment to the region.

“Our new freighter frequencies to India reflects both the strength of India’s trade corridors, and our long-term commitment to supporting them,” said Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo. “India is a powerhouse of manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, perishables and eCommerce and the demand for reliable and stable capacity continues to grow. These additional freighters bolster our existing operations, by offering more connectivity and capacity to ensure we continue to serve our customers in India and across the globe.”

As the third anniversary of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) nears, bilateral trade is booming, with India’s exports to the UAE growing faster than its overall export growth. Emirates SkyCargo supports the trade agreement, moving goods every week including 600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals, 500 tonnes of perishables, a significant tonnage of garments, textiles and clothing and a growing number of personal electronics such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets. 

Beyond aircraft capacity, Emirates SkyCargo has built a vast trucking network, to reach more offline destinations across India. In 2025, over 1,000 Emirates SkyCargo trucks transported almost 5,500 tonnes of cargo across India, carrying shipments such as automotive and aircraft spare parts, clothing and textiles, machinery, tools, spices and even a satellite. The airline also deployed temperature-controlled reefer trucks to transport delicate pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. 

The airline recently added Coimbatore and Goa to its road network as offline stations, unlocking new opportunities for businesses in these cities and surrounding areas to access global markets, via Emirates SkyCargo. Coimbatore in particular is a thriving hub of manufacturing and is home to a large number of SMEs working in engineering, textiles, automotive and more, so this access significantly contributes to India’s export economy. 

Since starting operations to Mumbai and Delhi in 1985, Emirates SkyCargo has significantly scaled its network, and now serves nine cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkota, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. With the Cargo Open Sky policy for exports in India, the airline continues to grow its reach, strengthen outbound capabilities, and connect more primary and secondary cities to its well‑established global network. 

This week, Emirates SkyCargo has been participating in industry discussions and workshops at Air Cargo India, one of the industry’s premier events. In addition to a full schedule of meetings, networking events and media briefings, the airline’s leadership joined panel discussions alongside other industry leaders to explore the significant evolution in India’s logistics ecosystem over the last two years. Emirates SkyCargo was also named International Airline of the Year at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo, as voted for by the outlet’s international readers. The accolade, which Emirates SkyCargo received for the third consecutive year, is a testament to the airline’s commitment to facilitating the world’s rapidly changing supply chains.

Dubai, UAE, 23 January 2026 – Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, has added Liege, Belgium (LGG) to its freighter network. This is the airline’s first new freighter destination of 2026, with significant expansion planned over the next 12 months.

Perfectly located at the heart of the Amsterdam-Paris-Frankfurt production ‘golden triangle’, and with excellent road connectivity, Liege Airport is one of the world’s fastest-growing cargo hubs, recording a 14% rise in cargo volumes in 2025. In recent years, Emirates SkyCargo has served Liege Airport with adhoc freighters, shipping specialised products such as fresh-cut flowers and e-Commerce packages, as well as dedicated charters for horses travelling to global competitions. Following the sustained demand, the airline will now deploy five weekly freighters, boosting available cargo capacity by 500 tonnes each week to ensure goods move quickly, reliably and efficiently.

Of the five weekly freighters, three will connect Liege with Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to transport critical, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals via a seamless and effective cool chain. The other two freighters will originate in Hong Kong and carry e-Commerce shipments to and through Liege.

Khawla Abdulla, Vice President of Cargo Commercial for Europe, Emirates SkyCargo said, “Adding Liege as a fixture to our freighter network is a strategic step that enhances our European footprint and unlocks more connectivity for our global customers. In 2025, we moved more than 15,000 tonnes of cargo from Belgium, across freighters and bellyhold capacity on our double daily passenger flights to Brussels, and we anticipate significant growth with the deployment of five weekly freighters. Liege Airport’s freighter-first operations, world-class infrastructure and well-connected logistics ecosystem enables us to better serve Belgium and its neighbouring countries and deliver consistently high service levels for our customers.”

Torsten Wefers, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Liege Airport said, "We are honoured that Emirates Sky Cargo has added Liege Airport to its global freighter network. The new scheduled services are linking Liege with other major global airports incl. the Emirates Sky Cargo Dubai-hub. This development clearly shows the fast increasing importance of Liege Airport for the European air cargo industry and is further strengthening our position as biggest European freighter hub, with a strong focus on the verticals pharma, fresh, live animal and express. We are looking forward to a close and lasting cooperation with Emirates Sky Cargo and providing a full flexible home for its Boeing 777Fs."

Europe remains one of the most important and busiest regions for Emirates SkyCargo, served by 38 freighters and 538 passenger flights every week. The airline continues to grow this expansive coverage, with the recent announcement of passenger operations to Helsinki, Finland due to start in October 2026. With the delivery of up to 10 new Boeing 777Fs by December 2026, as well as the ongoing delivery of its passenger aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo is set to grow its network and serve more destinations with its world-class product and service.

Emirates SkyCargo’s scheduled freighters into Liege are now available, and interested customers can contact their local Emirates SkyCargo office or visit skycargo.com for more information.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, “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.”

STRONGER FLEET, WIDER NETWORK, BIGGER IMPACT

At the start of the year, the first of Emirates SkyCargo’s Boeing 777Fs were delivered with another two in the following months, allowing the airline to retire older aircraft and deliver on its commitment to operate one of the youngest fleets in the sky. The fleet currently stands at 11 Boeing 777Fs and 5 wet-leased Boeing 747s. The first Emirates’ passenger aircraft entered the conversion programme, with the view to start operations as a fully-fledged freighter in 2026. By the end of next year, Emirates SkyCargo aims to operate a fleet of at least 21 freighters, adding significantly more cargo capacity to current operations. 

Delivering on its long-term vision to add more freighter destinations to its network, in 2025 the airline launched freighter services to eight new destinations: Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh (KTI) and Hanoi, while high-volume destinations such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Johannesburg were better served with additional weekly frequencies. The recently launched Hanoi was swiftly bolstered to a four-weekly service, to cater to the demand. As of year’s end, Emirates SkyCargo reaches 42 global destinations across six continents with freighter services. 

Throughout 2025, Emirates SkyCargo strengthened its network of over 180 global interline partners, inking new agreements to expand its global footprint. In February, the airline signed with Africa-based Astral Aviation and then in April, with Southeast Asia’s Teleport, to create seamless connectivity into primary, secondary and tertiary airports in two regions that are burgeoning with trade opportunities. The airline continues to reinforce its existing strategic partnerships with global airlines such as Air Canada, United and Virgin Atlantic, to reach every corner of the globe.  

FUTURE-FIT OPERATIONS

Even as Emirates SkyCargo draws up plans for its all-new facility at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), it continued to invest in its current operations to deliver peak performance. The airline upgraded its on-road fleet by taking delivery of 40 Euro 6 trucks from MAN Trucks, bringing the latest low-emissions and driver-centric technology to the region. By Q1 2026, the fleet will be bolstered with the delivery of five hydrogen-powered trucks, marking a key milestone in the company’s gradual transition to alternate fuel vehicles.  

Exploring next-gen cargo delivery solutions, Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous will collaborate on the development and feasibility of VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft for first and last mile delivery throughout 2026.    

The rise in digital bookings – coupled with the decline in manual bookings – continued to grow throughout the year, as more customers opted for seamless and efficient processes. By December 2025, almost 80% of all shipments on Emirates SkyCargo are booked digitally, driven predominately by eSkyCargo, and followed by the third-party digital marketplaces where the airline is present and direct customer API integrations. Digitising other critical cargo processes, Emirates SkyCargo become the first carrier in the region to adopt PayCargo’s solution, introducing instant payments via credit card or direct debit, as opposed to the traditional and inefficient cash transactions. Looking ahead to 2026, the airline will explore further enhancements to its digital toolbelt, such as adding new features and products that refine the customer journey. 

SOLVING TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES WITH NEW PRODUCTS

Emirates SkyCargo remained airline of choice for all types of shipments – from moving over 14,600 beloved family pets to transporting the first ever prototype of the Koenigsegg supercar to Mille Miglia in the UAE. 

2025 saw the landmark launch of Emirates Courier Express, the airline’s door-to-door delivery solution, that sets new benchmarks in cross-border delivery. Within months, the solution had already scaled to launch in Australia and Germany, with a roadmap of upcoming launches into the world’s largest economies throughout 2026. To date, the solution has delivered over 50,000 packages with an average delivery time across its network of 3 days, and an average of 1 day between the UK and UAE. 

Harnessing the technical expertise of its team, Emirates SkyCargo launched the Aerospace and Engineering vertical, featuring an optimised AOG service and an all-new Aircraft Engines offering, meticulously balancing speed and security into specialised solutions. Emirates SkyCargo has recorded a 100% increase in the movement of individual engines, compared to the same time period last year, with demand continuing to grow – something the airline will be better placed to serve with the future aircraft deliveries. Earning its stripes, the airline transported Arab Satellite 813 from Al Ain to Shanghai, showcasing the new vertical’s precision, care and reliability. 

Fresh, dedicated to the movement of food, flowers and other perishables and the airline’s biggest vertical by tonnage, grew by 10% uplifting an additional 25,700 tonnes in comparison to 2024 – the equivalent of 275 million apples. As the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Agreements (CEPAs) come into effect, the airline will continue to keep perishables moving from farm to table in as little as 24 hours. 

With the burgeoning global demand for critical and personalised patient treatments such as clinical trials or cell and gene therapies, Emirates SkyCargo recorded a 54% increase in volume on Vital, the airline’s dedicated white glove service for the most sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in its infrastructure, technology and processes to reinforce its reputation as an undisputed market leader in the life sciences and healthcare vertical, moving 2,000 tonnes of pharma every week.  

The increased volume of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices being manufactured in Vietnam and India drove a 30% uptick in the airline’s Secure solution. Emirates SkyCargo met the demand with a mixture of freighter services and SEA-AIR. 

Emirates SkyCargo continues to set benchmarks for excellence in global logistics. In 2026, the airline will build on this strong foundation to deliver on its long-term strategy which includes doubling its current capacity, adding 20 new freighter destinations to its network and shaping the future of the industry with smart, digital-first products and services.

In 2025, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 14,600 cats, dogs and other domestic pets – an average of 40 pets every day! These globetrotting critters travelled all over the airline’s network, with the top cities including London, Melbourne, Glasgow, Cape Town, Paris, Mumbai, Toronto and, of course, Dubai. Over 1,000 pets made the ultra-long haul relocation flight from the UK to Australia or New Zealand, and another 100 travelled even further, leaving the snowy tundra of Canada for the outback of Australia.

No matter the pet, nor the distance, Emirates SkyCargo provides a stress free journey for the traveller, and their human family, with its bespoke Pet solution. Fully compliant with IATA’s Live Animal Regulations (LAR), the service is safe, comfortable and reliable, with the Emirates flair for hospitality. All animals departing, arriving or transiting through Dubai, are hosted at a dedicated Pet Lounge, that offers a calm and relaxing space to unwind, with 24/7 animal care specialists on-site to offer exercise, cleaning, feeding, and cuddles on demand. Specially designed vehicles chauf-fur pets between the lounge and aircraft, and ensure they are last on and first off, just like all VIP flyers. It goes without saying that all facilities, aircraft and ground vehicles are temperature-controlled to enable comfortable travel, even in Dubai’s summer months. 

Not only has Emirates SkyCargo won the pets ‘pawprint of approval’, but the industry’s too. The airline was recently recognised by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) as the airline of choice for animal transports, winning top spot in four out of six regions. Emirates SkyCargo, who has been a key member of IPATA since 2015, has been recognised by the industry’s leading association every year it has participated.

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation, Emirates SkyCargo said, “As a team of pet parents ourselves we have designed a solution that prioritises each animal’s comfort, safety and care at every step of their journey. Across our vast global network, we deliver a consistent service underpinned by expert teams of specialists and world-class infrastructure to offer peace of mind to our customers – both the animals and their human companions. We will continue to invest in our solution and operations to deliver an outstanding experience.”

Beyond pet services, Emirates SkyCargo also offers specialised solutions for the movement of other animals. The airline’s Equine solution is widely regarded as world-class, providing an unbeatable in-flight experience with purpose-designed stalls complete with adjustable roofs, ventilation covers to control light and temperature and onboard F&B including hay nets, shavings and water. At Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the airline offers custom-designed facilities, including 45 horse stalls and a permanent horse ramp to allow horses to transfer from the ground transport vehicle to the horse stall easily and mitigate any risk of injury.

This year, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 2,600 horses, including eight prized Lipizzaner horses from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna to the UAE for the opening of the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts School in November. The world-famous white horses flew from Frankfurt to Dubai with Equine.

From domestic cats to jungle cats, Emirates SkyCargo is an active participant in wildlife rescue missions. Working closely with world-renowned animal welfare organisations, this year Emirates SkyCargo transported four lion cubs from a life in captivity into a sanctuary in South Africa, where they are now able to roam freely in a protected environment. The airline continues its longstanding campaign to keep wildlife wild, taking a zero-tolerance stand against illegal wildlife trafficking and the carriage of all hunting trophies, even where permissible by law.

Dubai, UAE, 15 December 2025 – Emirates and Dubai Humanitarian have established an airbridge to Sri Lanka, transporting urgent relief aid to support those affected by the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. For the next two weeks, Emirates will offer over 100 tonnes of cargo space free of charge across its daily passenger flights to Sri Lanka, enabling Dubai Humanitarian and its associates to transport emergency supplies across affected areas, via Colombo. 

The first shipments departed Dubai International Airport on Tuesday 9 December on the three non-stop Emirates flights connecting Dubai and Colombo, consisting of fortified biscuits from the World Food Programme (WFP), followed by consignments of food items and relief aid from the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and tarpaulins and other supplies from The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). On-ground, the shipments will be sent to a disaster management unit set up by the government to be distributed to provide much-needed relief to the hundreds of thousands of people affected and displaced by the severe flooding. 

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “Emirates is deeply connected and committed to Sri Lanka, and so, in coordination with Dubai Humanitarian, we are mobilising our infrastructure and operations to extend essential support to the communities impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. Emirates will be dedicating bellyhold cargo capacity for crisis relief aid on our daily flights to Sri Lanka, providing a regular and reliable flow of vital commodities. Dubai Humanitarian is the largest humanitarian hub in the world, and we will work closely with them to facilitate the movement of urgent supplies.” 

HE Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Chairman of Dubai Humanitarian, said: “We sincerely thank Emirates for their continued support to Dubai Humanitarian and for enabling the activation of this critical airbridge in response to the floods in Sri Lanka. This collaboration reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership and the spirit of collective action that defines Dubai as a global hub for humanitarian action. As the world’s largest humanitarian hub, bringing together over 80 humanitarian organisations and companies, we rely on close cooperation with committed partners to ensure that essential relief items are delivered swiftly, efficiently, and sustainably. This continued support demonstrates how strategic collaboration between Dubai Humanitarian, its members, and partners can strengthen international emergency response and reinforce the resilience of affected communities.” 

As the largest humanitarian hub in the world, Dubai Humanitarian streamlines relief missions and, through their longstanding partnership with Emirates, are able to mobilize swiftly and efficiently across the airline’s network. Since signing the partnership in 2020, Emirates and Dubai Humanitarian have collaborated on several relief missions, uplifting hundreds of tonnes of humanitarian aid to communities affected by natural disasters or other crises. 

In response to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in 2023, Emirates SkyCargo dedicated space for hundreds of tonnes of relief goods, transported on its daily flight operations to Istanbul. 

Providing critical support during the catastrophic flooding in Pakistan, Emirates established an airbridge and donated cargo capacity on all Emirates’ passenger flights to Pakistan, transporting critical equipment and supplies, food and other emergency relief goods directly to the five airports – Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Sialkot.

From Christchurch crayfish and Hawke’s Bay lamb to Central Otago cherries and Auckland orchids, high-quality New Zealand produce is gaining ground in Middle Eastern markets. With CEPA eliminating tariffs and streamlining customs procedures, volumes of these premium exports are expected to continue rising.

Emirates operates two daily flights between New Zealand and Dubai using its iconic A380 aircraft, a direct daily service from Auckland and a daily service from Christchurch via Sydney. In addition to its daily passenger aircraft, Emirates also flies two freighters into Auckland Airport weekly, giving Kiwi importers and exporters up to 600 tonnes of premium freight capacity every week. 

NZ Bloom sees UAE demand bloom

One of the clearest examples of this growing opportunity is NZ Bloom, a specialist exporter of fresh-cut flowers. The company has seen demand for its New Zealand-grown orchids in Dubai increase by an average of 50% year-on-year over the past two seasons, making the UAE one of its fastest-growing markets globally.

David Ballard, Owner of NZ Blooms says: “Approximately 90% of the orchids grown in New Zealand are sold to international markets, with the UAE one of the largest growing. Over two years, we’ve seen demand in Dubai double, which will only continue with the removal of import taxes. Dubai in particular is a major growth market for us, and the UAE is a real pillar to our business.”

“Effective linkages from New Zealand to major cities around the world are absolutely critical. We can do as well as we want with the product, but if you don’t have really good connections into lots of major cities, you will never be able to run a commercial business out of it. You need to be able to get this beautiful product in front of people really quickly to achieve that scale, which Emirates Sky Cargo has helped us do.”

“Flowers are also very temperature sensitive, and obviously Dubai is a really hot place, so Emirates’ cold storage chain is absolutely critical to keeping our product in great condition as it moves around the world.”

Including its distribution of cut flowers to the UAE and further around the world, Emirates SkyCargo helps export nearly 10,000 tonnes of perishable goods from New Zealand every year.

Global reach, local reliability

Through its hub in Dubai, a leading global logistics centre, Emirates SkyCargo connects New Zealand exporters to more than 145 destinations across six continents, with efficient transit times and specialised handling for time- and temperature-sensitive goods.

Wayne Turkington, New Zealand Cargo Manager, at Emirates SkyCargo says:

“The implementation of CEPA marks an exciting new chapter in trade between the UAE and New Zealand. 22 years ago when Emirates SkyCargo first started operating in New Zealand, the UAE was New Zealand’s 30th largest trading partner. Now we’re up to 11. The new agreement offers huge opportunities for this to only go up, with exporters able to build on volumes, and add more price competition against global competition.”

As a critical enabler of the modern ‘Aerial Silk Road’, Emirates SkyCargo mirrors the overland and maritime trade routes of old with a strategic network of air corridors and logistics hubs. Whether it’s delivering South Island seafood to high-end restaurants in Dubai, or North Island flowers to florists in Europe, Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in New Zealand’s international trade.

Dubai, UAE, 21 November 2025 – Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, to explore the development and deployment of next generation air cargo solutions.

The agreement was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President and Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous. Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous will collaborate to validate the use of VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft across the airline’s vast global network, through feasibility studies, regulatory engagement and live demonstrations. Leveraging over four decades’ expertise in the global movement of goods, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in LODD’s experimental operations through to the end of 2027, providing insight to inform design and development, with a view toward commercial deployment in regional and global markets.

The agreement follows last week’s successful first test flight of LODD’s Hili, an unmanned, hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi. Hili is fully autonomous from take-off to landing, and offers payload capacity of up to 250 kilograms , and travel distances up to 700 KM. As Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in future-fit technologies for the seamless movement of goods, the Hili will be considered to join the airline’s ground fleet, to manage operations across its dual airport hub.

Commenting on the signing, Badr Abbas said, “This partnership with LODD is a reflection of our commitment to introduce innovative products that solve our customer’s transportation challenges. Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates SkyCargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise into the development of innovations that drive tangible impact. We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this UAE-built technology.”

Rashid Mattar Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous commented “The UAE’s vision is built on harnessing innovation to propel everyday life forward. Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’s frontier technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable, and sustainable logistics. Together, we will accelerate the adoption of drone-powered solutions that expand reach, cut delivery times, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory excellence.”

Advancing the logistics ecosystem has long been a priority for Emirates SkyCargo. Setting new benchmarks for excellence in the global logistics industry, the airline is a trusted partner that seamlessly connects the world with a network of over 150 destinations, and an all widebody fleet of over 260 passenger and freighter aircraft. Consistently challenging the status quo, earlier this year, the airline launched Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that breaks the mould of cross-border eCommerce by merging the cargo division’s expertise in logistics with the airline’s passenger fleet and network.

Abu Dhabi-based LODD is transforming civilian logistics with state-of-the-art unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles, and AI-enabled software that simplify operations, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and speed delivery. Supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council, the development of the Hili and its potential deployment across the world’s largest international airline’s operations exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to investing in the national technology ecosystem – from strategy and investment to research and application.

*About LODD:*

LODD is an autonomous aerospace company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, pioneering the future of cargo transportation. Founded in 2023, LODD designs, develops, and deploys next-generation autonomous systems to tackle the emerging challenges of middle-mile cargo logistics.

At the core of its innovation is Hili, LODD’s flagship UAV, engineered to transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms across distances of 700 kilometres. This breakthrough platform delivers scalable, efficient, and reliable cargo transport solutions for diverse industries.

With a business model rooted in sustainability, scalability, and operational efficiency, LODD is laying the foundation for a robust air mobility ecosystem that will redefine logistics across the UAE and beyond.

For more information, please visit:

www.lodd.com

www.linkedin.com/company/lodd-autonomous

https://www.instagram.com/lodd.autonomous

Leveraging the airline’s recently launched Aerospace and Engineering vertical, Emirates SkyCargo provided stringent levels of environment control and security throughout Arab Satellite 813’s earthbound journey. From NSSTC’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facility in Al Ain, the satellite was trucked to Emirates SkyCargo’s state-of-the-art facility at Dubai World Central via a bespoke branded truck. Upon arrival, the satellite was housed in a dedicated temperature-controlled area, before it boarded EK9874, a Boeing 777 freighter, to Shanghai, China.

Commenting on the shipment, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said, “Given the highly technical and irreplaceable value of Arab Satellite 813, the National Space Science and Technology Center needed to be certain that the transportation would be handled with precision, care and reliability – the cornerstones of our Aerospace and Engineering vertical. Working in lockstep with various stakeholders before, during and after the shipment, we provided a bespoke and seamless multi-modal solution all the way from Al Ain to Shanghai. We are proud to support the UAE’s bold and ambitious space endeavours.”

The Arab Satellite 813 is an observation satellite which is intended to monitor earth, the environment and the climate. It was initiated under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as a landmark initiative to enhance Arab cooperation in space and opens the opportunity for Arab scientists and researchers to actively participate in the development and use of space technologies.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAEU, said: “The Arab Satellite 813 represents a milestone in the trajectory of joint Arab space efforts and demonstrates the Center’s ability to lead and execute advanced space projects that elevate the UAE’s position among leading nations in this vital sector. At NSSTC, we take pride in our role in advancing scientific research, technological development, and the training of national talent capable of shaping the future of space. Together with our strategic partners, we are working to lay the foundations for an integrated and sustainable Arab space ecosystem.”

Emirates SkyCargo is no stranger to space exploration. In 2018, the airline was a part of UAE history as it chartered the first satellite developed and built by Emirati engineers in the UAE, KhalifaSat, from Dubai to South Korea. Building on this expertise, Emirates SkyCargo then uplifted the Amazonina-1 satellite from Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil to Chennai, India, where it was launched to monitor the ecosystem of its namesake, the Amazon Rainforest, to name just a few missions the airline has supported.

Celebrating the UAE’s visionary national space initiatives and the synergies between aviation and aerospace, Emirates also hosted a one-off flight in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). An Emirates A380 was emblazoned with a specially designed astronaut decal as national heroes and astronauts, Dr Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori, joined as guests of honour.

Dubai, UAE, 10 November 2025 – Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, has upgraded its on-road fleet of trucks with the latest-generation Euro 6 models from MAN Trucks, in collaboration with Allied Transport Company. Emirates SkyCargo is the first adopter of the long-haul, heavy commercial Euro 6 vehicles in the region, introducing the most advanced truck technology into its ground operations with 40 vehicles.

The engine in the Euro 6 trucks meets the most stringent emissions standards, resulting in significantly lower levels of harmful pollutants compared to previous models. By replacing 40 trucks on its fleet with 40 Euro 6 models, Emirates SkyCargo anticipates a 17%* annual reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from trucking. This builds on the airline’s commitment to implement fuel- and emissions-saving initiatives across ground operations.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “The addition of the Euro 6 trucks to our fleet is an important evolution in our commitment to more sustainable operations, and to investing in future-ready technology that will fuel our next era of growth. We expect cargo volumes to and through Dubai will continue to grow, driven by Dubai’s strategic Economic Agenda and are ready to play our part in better facilitating global trade by deploying the right equipment and infrastructure across our operations.”

Beyond the low-emissions platform, the Euro 6 are packed with a suite of driver-focused technologies to enhance connectivity, safety and security. Every vehicle is equipped with kerb mirrors, reverse cameras and blind-spot reduction for 360° visibility improvement, while new intelligent driver-assist features elevate road safety standards – such as the AI-powered Driver Monitoring System, which triggers a real-time safety alert when it detects driver distraction or fatigue.

The advanced technology also reinforces security measures for both driver and cargo in transit. Dual camera coverage simultaneously records the front of the truck and in-cabin, providing full visibility at all times. Combined with GPS and cloud tracking, Emirates SkyCargo will have access to live fleeting monitoring, video transmission and real-time insights for more informed data-driven decision making.

Ali Bin Beyat, Chief Executive Officer, Allied Transport Company, said: “The long-term relationship between Allied Transport and Emirates SkyCargo reflects our shared commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability in logistics. The introduction of the first long-haul Euro 6 fleet to the Middle East marks a major step forward in our collective effort to drive cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transport operations. At Allied Transport, we believe that efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, and this milestone showcases how enduring industry relationships and advanced technologies can together create meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future for regional logistics.”

Moving over 1,000 tonnes of cargo every day, Emirates SkyCargo’s truck fleet serves as a conveyer between Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Dubai International Airport (DXB), traversing the 77 KM bonded corridor up to six times per day, per truck. Critical to the seamless handling of cargo across it’s dual-airport hub, the investment in the new truck fleet will further enhance efficiencies and set new benchmarks in the airline’s on-ground operations.

 ###

Notes to editors

• CO₂ emission reduction is based on a comparison with the existing truck models.
• Considered DEFRA 2025 emissions factor of 2.628 kg CO₂/litre for diesel.

Dubai, UAE, November 4, 2025 – Emirates Courier Express has grown its footprint in Europe with the start of operations in Germany. Headquartered from Frankfurt, the groundbreaking door-to-door cross-border delivery solution is primed to serve Germany’s manufacturing hub and add a new, more direct offering to Europe’s B2B supply chains and B2C shippers. 

The launch into Germany is a strategic development in Emirates Courier Express’ expansion plans, enabling the airline to better serve one of Europe’s most prominent production hubs. Within a four-hour radius of Frankfurt, Emirates Courier Express will connect some of the biggest manufacturers in life sciences and healthcare, textiles, automotive, aviation and industrial engineering with their international suppliers, partners and businesses with bespoke, scalable logistics solutions. 

Connecting Dubai and Frankfurt with 21 weekly services in each direction, Emirates flight schedule conveniently offers morning, afternoon and evening slots, allowing for multiple departures each day. Coupled with Frankfurt’s excellent road connectivity into other major cities and towns, Emirates Courier Express will serve the whole of Germany with delivery timelines of just 3 to 5 days. 

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation, Emirates SkyCargo said, “With our high-frequency flight schedule and the flexibility of our world-class infrastructure, Emirates Courier Express brings a new dynamic to Germany’s logistics ecosystem. Working hand in hand with customers, we can provide tailormade solutions to a variety of industries, carrying everything from pharmaceuticals to automotive spare parts, and provide quicker, more direct shipments from Germany and into key markets such as the Middle East, Africa and Australia.” 

The direct connectivity between Frankfurt and Dubai significantly reduces the shipments time in transit and package handling. While the vast majority of Emirates Courier Express packages will travel on the passenger flights, Emirates also operates six weekly freighters into Frankfurt, adding a new dimension to the existing solution by enabling customers to move shipments of all shapes and sizes quickly, reliably and efficiently. 

Prioritising ease of business, Emirates Courier Express’ is entirely digital, with a purpose-built tech platform integrating directly into customer software and provide advanced tracking systems and real-time updates from collection to delivery.  

To find out how Emirates Courier Express could redefine your approach to international delivery, visit our website.

Dubai, UAE, 30 October 2025 – Building on the airline’s significant network expansion across East and Southeast Asia, Emirates SkyCargo has deployed a weekly freighter to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Already operating the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline, the new freighter destination provides regional customers with more flexibility to move their goods worldwide, via Dubai.

The cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline now serves 43 global destinations with its dedicated freighter fleet, 11 of which are in East and Southeast Asia.

Guided by the government’s longstanding ‘Thailand 4.0’ economic vision, the country has invested significantly in innovation and developing more advanced technologies and are emerging as world leaders in next-generation automotive, smart electronics, medical and biotechnology, robotics and more. With its specialist product portfolio, all widebody fleet of over 260 aircraft and near-unrivalled global network, Emirates SkyCargo is perfectly positioned to facilitate the movement of Thailand’s highly delicate tech products, as well as other commodities including garments and stone fruits.

Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said, “Our operations across East and Southeast Asia are among the most expansive on our global network – from flight frequencies, freighter deployment, available capacity and gateways served. However, the demand is exponential and therefore the region will be the foundation of our expansion plans through 2026 and beyond.

“Markets such as Thailand and Vietnam are the new heartbeat of global trade, with established and modern manufacturing capabilities, evolving digital economies and world-class logistics infrastructure. We do not see demand slowing and stand ready to support the region’s growth with the quick, reliable and efficient movement of goods worldwide.”

Driven by the consistently high demand, Emirates SkyCargo also boosted freighter frequency in and out of Hanoi to four-weekly services. Three of these freighters connect directly to Dubai World Central (DWC), while the fourth connects Dubai Taipei and Hanoi, enabling the airline to better support Vietnamese-based customers with direct connectivity to and through Dubai.

The airline also deployed a sixth weekly freighter to Guangzhou, catering to the high demand out of mainland China consisting predominately of consumer tech products, electrical goods and eCommerce. To ensure stable capacity during peak periods and seasonal demand, Emirates SkyCargo frequently deploys adhoc freighter capacity across the region.

Over the last thirty years of operations, Emirates SkyCargo has steadily and strategically built its operations across East and Southeast Asia, now serving 25 gateways with 45 freighter services, 13 charter services and 315 passenger services every week, offering an available 21,000 tonnes of capacity.

Dubai, UAE, 13 August 2025 – With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, now offers over 21,000 tonnes of weekly tonnage in and out of East and Southeast Asia every week, across the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline. Deepening its footprint in the region, Emirates SkyCargo now serves 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories. 

Firmly entrenched as the ‘factory of the world’, East and Southeast Asia has established thriving economic corridors, and require significant air freight capacity to shift goods worldwide. Dedicated Emirates SkyCargo freighters serve 9 gateways in the region, with 44 weekly flights, the highest freighter flight density on the airline’s vast global network; this schedule is complemented by 13 charter services to and from East Asia every week, delivering consistent capacity and stable connectivity for Asian businesses into Europe and the Middle East. Freighter and charter operations are underpinned by 311 weekly passenger flights, moving travellers and cargo via a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. 

With the high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia approximately every half hour. 

“East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade,” said Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia.  “From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.” 

Fostering economic growth

As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, and boasting a thriving agricultural sector, East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets on Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. In an average week, Emirates SkyCargo uplifts over 450 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and other perishable products, 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, 75 tonnes of electronics, semi-conductors and smart goods, 180 tonnes of garments and over 1,300 tonnes of eCommerce.   

The ‘Aerial Silk Road’ – a network of air routes, logistics hubs and aviation infrastructure mirroring the overland and maritime Silk Roads of yore – enables swift and efficient connectivity with global markets. With a vast network of over 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo is well positioned to facilitate global trade. In fact, Emirates SkyCargo plays a significant support role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating swift and reliable connectivity to over 50 countries participating in the initiative. 

Strength through partnership

Beyond its own network and capacity, Emirates SkyCargo forged a strategic partnership with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, to better support the burgeoning trade between Southeast Asia and the wider world, via Dubai. Unlocking over 100 primary, secondary and tertiary regional airports, Emirates SkyCargo is able to better serve global customers with increased capacity, more flexibility and access into new markets in Asia; conversely, Emirates SkyCargo supports Southeast Asian businesses with better connectivity into Europe, the USA and Canada.

A series of ‘firsts’

Emirates has been setting benchmarks since the beginning of operations in East Asia. In September 2002, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai, establishing the first direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland, and pre-dating passenger operations by 18 months. 

The streak continued in 2025, as Emirates SkyCargo launched a weekly freighter to Japan’s Narita International Airport, marking the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East. Enabling faster and more flexible shipments, the freighter from Narita uplifts pharmaceuticals, semi-conductor parts and large or oddly-shaped shipments such as machinery parts.

As Emirates SkyCargo advances its ambitious 10-year growth strategy, East Asia and Southeast Asia remain priority markets for increased capacity, whether through additional flight schedules or brand-new routes. By deepening connectivity across the region and maintaining seamless links with key markets worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening global supply chains, supporting bilateral economic growth and shape the future of global logistics.

PayCargo offers an online payment solution that connects carriers with freight forwarders and vendors on a single platform. The launch in the UAE marks a shift in the cargo industry, which still relies on traditional and often inefficient payment systems, including cash transactions. Through the integration with PayCargo, Emirates SkyCargo customers in the UAE can now make instant payments via credit card or direct debit, ensuring same-day or next-business-day cargo release, underscoring the airline’s commitment to implementing digital solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said, “The next era of logistics, and of Emirates SkyCargo, will be defined by smart technology and digital solutions. This partnership with PayCargo ensures we are at the forefront of that evolution, providing faster and more secure transactions for our customers, streamlining processes for our internal teams, and solving industry-wide challenges of accessing air freight capacity.”  

Eduardo Del Riego, President and CEO of PayCargo, said, “We’re thrilled to launch in the UAE with Emirates SkyCargo as our first regional partner. This solution will help streamline the cargo payment process and save customers valuable time. By eliminating manual payment systems, we can provide a more efficient and reliable solution. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo as they lead the way in digital solutions for the logistics industry.”

The collaboration follows a strategic alliance formed in 2022 between PayCargo and Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum. Seed Group played a key role in introducing PayCargo to the UAE market and supporting its expansion in the Middle East and North Africa.

Already a central hub of trade, the UAE has strategically invested in multi-modal infrastructure, digital and technology acceleration, and forward-looking policies to cement its role as a leading global logistics hub. The launch of PayCargo in the UAE, with the world’s largest international airline as a partner, will lay the foundation for increased resilience in logistics, underpinned by world-class digital infrastructure.

Dubai, UAE, July 16, 2025 – Emirates has expanded its groundbreaking Emirates Courier Express solution into Australia. Coming just months after launch, the expansion signals the airline’s commitment to reinventing the cross-border delivery experience, connecting businesses and their customers with a fast, reliable and flexible service. 

Emirates Courier Express packages will fly directly into four major cities in Australia – Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney – on 70 flights per week. The existing passenger flight schedule to and from Australia is perfectly timed to provide unrivalled connectivity with key destinations in Europe and the Middle East, enabling Emirates Courier Express to offer the fastest door-to-door delivery time in a matter of days. Via a strong integrated first and last mile transportation partner, Emirates Courier Express is able to serve the entirety of Australia, from launch. 

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation, Emirates SkyCargo said, “Since the early test phase of Emirates Courier Express, we knew Australia would be a key market. Logistically challenging and historically underserved, businesses and end consumers will feel the benefits of our direct connectivity, high frequency flight schedules and flexible, scalable solution. Emirates has proudly served Australia for over 30 years, bringing the latest and greatest of our offering to the market, across both cargo and passenger operations. Emirates Courier Express is the evolution of this journey, and we look forward to supporting local businesses, and local shoppers, with their cross-border deliveries.” 

Despite the growing consumer trust in cross-border eCommerce retailers, the International Trade Administration reports that only 6% of international shoppers are buying from Australia. Challenges with delivery and logistics play a key role, as fluctuating costs and long timelines deter consumers from placing orders. Conversely, the inbound small parcel volume to Australia has increased by 45% in the last two years, and a record number of households are shopping online. 

Leveraging the breadth and frequencies of Emirates’ passenger operations, matched with the expertise and infrastructure of Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates Courier Express aims to solve these challenges and create new opportunities for Australian businesses to reach global customers, and global businesses to reach Australian shoppers. 

Breaking the traditional hub-and-spoke model, Emirates Courier Express provides direct connectivity, via Dubai, significantly reducing time in transit, reducing package handling and getting goods where they’re needed at unmatched speed. Utilising extensive world-class infrastructure, Emirates Courier Express is equipped to transport all verticals, from consumer goods to products that require specialist handling, such as critical medical equipment. 

A fully digital solution, Emirates Courier Express can be directly integrated into customers’ existing software, while advanced tracking systems, real-time updates, and seamless integration ensures Emirates Courier Express customers (and their customers!) have full visibility as their package moves worldwide. 

To find out how Emirates Courier Express could redefine your approach to international delivery, visit our website.