Emirates SkyCargo has placed a firm order for five additional Boeing 777 freighters, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2026. The new purchase brings the airline's total pending 777F deliveries from Boeing to 14 aircraft by the end of calendar 2026, significantly expanding one of the world's largest dedicated air cargo operations.
Fleet to Reach 21 Boeing 777 Freighters by December 2026
In addition to the fresh order, Emirates has committed to a multi-year extension on four Boeing 777Fs it currently leases from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. Combined with 10 planned conversions of Boeing 777-300ER passenger jets to freighter configuration, the airline expects to grow Emirates SkyCargo's freighter fleet to 21 units by December 2026.
The fleet growth reflects surging demand for air cargo services out of Dubai. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, noted that the investment will give customers more capacity and connectivity to meet the diverse demands of global trade.
Boeing Welcomes Continued Emirates Commitment
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, welcomed the expanded relationship, saying the Boeing 777 Freighter's continued performance will help open new markets for customers worldwide.
Emirates currently operates 11 production-built Boeing 777 freighters. The new deliveries will nearly double that number, underpinning Emirates SkyCargo's position as a leading force in the international air freight market.
Next-Generation Fleet Decision Still Ahead
Looking further out, Emirates is expected to decide by the end of 2024 on its freighter fleet strategy for 2028 and beyond. Both the Boeing 777-8F and the Airbus A350-1000F are under consideration for that next generation of aircraft.
In the meantime, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to rely on belly-hold capacity from the airline's wide-body passenger fleet — including the Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350 — to serve global shipping demand.
Al Maktoum Airport Expansion Adds Long-Term Capacity
The fleet expansion aligns with the planned growth of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, which is projected to handle up to 12 million tonnes of cargo annually once its expansion is complete. The airport's scale cements Dubai's standing as one of the world's premier logistics and air freight hubs.
