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.

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.

As it warms up in the Northern Hemisphere, Emirates SkyCargo is scaling up its cool chain capacity for perishables, preparing for a busy summer season of weddings and outdoor events. As the demand for decorative floral arrangements increases, May 2023 saw Emirates SkyCargo transport 3,590 tonnes of time- and temperature-sensitive fresh cut flowers, a 20% rise from the same period last year.

Ecuador and Kenya are the top two export origin locations; Ecuador in particular has experienced a steady rise in flower trade in recent years, increasing its exports with Emirates SkyCargo by 21% in May this year, compared to 2022. The Netherlands, a country that plays a major role in the world’s flower trade, remains in both the top three export origins and import locations. Other key import locations for this commodity include the UAE and Australia, with Saudi Arabia rounding out the top four.

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President – Product and Innovation, Emirates SkyCargo, said, "We are seeing an increased demand for fresh flowers as the wedding season in the Northern Hemisphere reaches its peak, and a corresponding spike in demand for logistics capabilities to protect perishables. Leveraging our industry-leading temperature-controlled technology, facilities, equipment and expert personnel, Emirates Fresh continues to offer our global customers reliable freshness, whether it’s beautiful blooms for that special day or fresh produce for the garden barbeque. With 500 to 600 tonnes of perishables transported on Emirates SkyCargo flights every day, we are proud to be the partner of choice that connects the global agriculture community with their customers all over the world.”

22,500 tonnes of perishable commodities every month
Perishables are the carrier’s largest business by tonnage carried, uplifting an average of 22,500 tonnes of perishable commodities every month. Ranging from freshly picked mangoes from Pakistan, to salmon from Norway and brilliant blooms from Kenya, Emirates SkyCargo transports goods rapidly and efficiently across its global network of over 140 destinations.

Fresh cut flowers dominate as the leading perishable category transported by SkyCargo with chilled meat and fresh fruits rounding out the top three perishable product categories, as air cargo enables temperate-safe and rapid transit from farm to shop in as little as 24-48 hours.

Door-to-door cool chain delivered at scale via Dubai
As temperatures rise and summer produce is harvested, cool chain logistics play an essential role in keeping high-demand perishable produce fresh and high quality for consumers worldwide.

Emirates' dedicated cool-chain handling capabilities have been developed with a focus on fast connection times and high-quality transfers. Its dual airport hub in Dubai is world’s largest and most technologically advanced cargo handling facility, offering a three-hour, air-to-air transfer service. Handling over 8,000 shipments per day, the facility has over 15,000m² of dedicated storage for temperature-sensitive goods, including perishables.

Uniquely positioned between east and west, approximately 1/3 of the world’s population can be served from Dubai within a 4-hour flight range. Emirates’ vast network of destinations, meanwhile, also give customers the choice of multiple flights per day to many locations across both freighter and passenger aircraft belly-hold capacity.

Emirates Fresh, SkyCargo’s perishable-oriented service offers three different options for customers to choose the appropriate level of temperature protection for their cargo. This ranges from produce with a higher tolerance for temperature fluctuations, to high-end perishables that require active cool dollies for ramp protection. Customers can track and trace their shipments and view temperature monitoring data online at every step, as well as make short-notice direct bookings, thanks to SkyCargo’s ecommerce platform.

Compared to the previous year, Emirates SkyCargo flew 30 per cent more mangoes during the 2021 season, with the airline expecting similar volumes again by the end of this year’s mango season.

The lion’s share of mangoes flown by Emirates SkyCargo originate in South East Asia, supplemented by South American mangoes filling the cargo hold of Emirates’ passenger planes and freighters from Mexico, Columbia and Brazil, the majority of which are destined for the UK, Spanish and UAE markets. The airline also helped Australian producers export over 100 tonnes of mangoes this year.

Taking Pakistan as an example, in many cases it takes only 48 hours from when the mangoes are picked on the farm to the moment the fresh fruit boards the departing aircraft. Add another 14 to 18 hours in transit and they will have reached the supermarket shelves at their final destination, as fresh as they left the farm. As one of the leading global air freight carriers in the industry, Emirates SkyCargo flew over 6,500 tonnes from Pakistan via Dubai to Europe and North America.

Nearly 80 percent of the tasty cargo leaves Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and the remaining 20 percent departs from Lahore. The cargo is loaded into the belly-hold of Boeing 777s, which fly 31 flights a week between Dubai and the two cities.

Transiting through the Emirates SkyCentral facilities at Dubai International Airport, the delicious fruit is always stored in state-of-the-art Cool Dollies during ground transportation, before being sent to their final destinations. 

The UK received the largest percentage of imports via Emirates’ hub in Dubai, with over 3,600 tonnes of fresh mangoes. Germany’s appetite for the sweet fruit was also healthy, receiving nearly 700 tonnes, followed closely by the UAE with almost 500 tonnes having been imported through Emirates SkyCargo over the past year.

The precious cargo was also sent directly to Spain from Mexico on board Emirates dedicated Boeing 777 Freighters.

Dennis Lister, VP Cargo Commercial Development, Emirates SkyCargo said: “The success of our three-tiered Emirates Fresh product is clearly demonstrated by our continually growing volumes, as well as by our customers’ confidence in repeatedly choosing us to keep their fruits healthy, their meats fresh and their flowers blooming as they travel the world with us. With our class leading integrated cool chain processes, expert personnel and temperature-controlled storage, customers all over the world are guaranteed freshness that they can touch, taste and feel.”

Emirates Fresh is Emirates SkyCargo’s responsive cool chain solution for everyday perishables unaffected by slight temperature variations. It's the ideal combination of cost effectiveness and core protection that ensures freshness is not compromised during transportation. With optional additional protection from items like White Covers and Thermal Blankets, produce can remain cool throughout the shipment journey.

Emirates SkyCargo is the airfreight division of Emirates. Through its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo transports cargo to over 140 destinations across a global network spanning six continents. The air cargo carrier offers customers cargo capacity on its modern fleet of all widebody Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. For more information, visit: www.skycargo.com