Source: Boeing

  • The Middle East carrier expands its all-Boeing freighter fleet to meet near- and long-term cargo demand across the region and beyond

Boeing and Emirates today announced the Middle East carrier is further expanding its all-Boeing dedicated freighter fleet with an order for five 777 Freighters, valued at more than $1.7 billion at list prices.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates is investing in new freighters so that we can continue to serve customer demand with the latest fuel-efficient aircraft. This order reflects Emirates’ confidence in air freight demand and overall aviation sector growth. It lays the ground for our continued growth, which is driven by the reach of our diverse global network, the advanced handling infrastructure at our Dubai hub, and the tailored transport solutions that Emirates has developed to serve our varied customers’ needs.”

The airplanes will be operated by Emirates SkyCargo, adding to its fleet of 11 777 Freighters. At last November’s Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced a $1 billion investment to expand its air cargo capacity, including two new 777 Freighters that joined Emirates’ fleet this year.

Emirates was a launch customer for the 777 Freighter and is currently the world’s largest operator of the 777 family, with nearly 150 of the airplane type in its fleet. Boeing’s best-selling freighter, the 777F is the world’s largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter flying today, with 17% lower fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to prior airplanes.

“We value the trust that Emirates has repeatedly placed in its all-Boeing freighter fleet. The expansion of Emirates’ fleet with these additional fuel-efficient 777 Freighters will enable the airline to support its growing cargo market demand, transporting goods rapidly and efficiently from origin to destination in the Middle East and around the world,” said Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Emirates SkyCargo in South America

Most of cargo in and out of South America via Emirates is managed as part of the recently resumed passenger flights to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires on wide-body Boeing 777. Such aircraft can accommodate a cargo capacity of around 20 tons per flight to transport regional exports from Argentina and Brazil to consumers in the Middle East, Europe and other markets, while supporting the import of essential goods, including pharmaceuticals.

The numbers show a positive response from the market and space for future growth. Since 2007, 58,000 tons of goods were exported out of Brazil and 62,000 tons of imports were transported using Emirates’ services on passenger flights, in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil, Emirates SkyCargo also offers dedicated freighter services to Viracopos airports. Over the past 10 years, Emirates also facilitated the export of 23,000 tons of goods out of Argentina and 21,000 tons of commodities were imported using its services.