Emirates has placed a firm order for five additional Boeing 777 freighters, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2026. This brings the airline’s total orders for Boeing 777Fs to 14, all set for delivery by the end of 2026.
In addition to the new order, Emirates has extended the lease for four Boeing 777 freighters from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. By December 2026, Emirates SkyCargo expects to operate a fleet of 21 production-built Boeing 777 freighters, significantly expanding from its current fleet of 11.
The airline is also converting 10 Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters to increase capacity further. Alongside these new freighters, Emirates will continue to use its widebody passenger fleet, including 777s, 747Fs, A350s and A380s, to support global cargo operations.
“We’re investing in new freighter aircraft to meet surging demand and provide our customers around the world with even more flexibility, connectivity and options to leverage market opportunity,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “Demand for Emirates’ air cargo services has been booming. This reflects Dubai’s growing prominence as a preferred and trusted global logistics hub, and also the success of Emirates SkyCargo’s bespoke solutions that address the needs of shippers in different industry sectors.”
The planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) will increase its cargo capacity to 12 million tonnes annually, positioning it as the world’s largest cargo hub. The growth of the nearby Logistics District will support Dubai’s goal of becoming a leading multi-modal cargo hub for air, sea, and land connections.
“Emirates continues to set the direction for our industry and we deeply appreciate the trust they have placed in the Boeing widebody family to serve as the backbone of their global fleet,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are proud to support Emirates SkyCargo’s growth as it relies on the performance and versatility of our 777 Freighter to further connect the world.”
Emirates plans to make a decision by the end of this year on its future freighter fleet for 2028/29 and beyond, with the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F under consideration.
