Emirates adds 5 Boeing 777 freighters, expanding fleet to 21 by end of 2026

Photo : Dubai government media office

Emirates has made a significant move to expand its cargo operations by placing a firm order for five additional Boeing 777 freighters, with deliveries expected to take place between 2025 and 2026. This latest acquisition builds on the airline’s previous commitments, bringing the total number of Boeing 777F units pending delivery to 14 by the end of 2026. The addition of these new aircraft will bolster Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet, which is set to reach a total of 21 production-built Boeing 777 freighters by December 2026, a substantial increase from the current fleet of 11.

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In tandem with this new order, Emirates has also signed a multi-year lease extension with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) for four of its existing Boeing 777F freighters, further solidifying its position as a key player in global cargo transport. In addition to expanding its dedicated freighter fleet, Emirates is investing in the conversion of 10 passenger Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters, a move designed to meet increasing demand for air cargo services and enhance capacity.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, emphasized the strategic importance of these investments, noting the surging demand for Emirates' air cargo services. “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 opportunities,” he said. Sheikh Ahmed also highlighted Dubai’s growing status as a global logistics hub and the success of Emirates SkyCargo’s industry-specific solutions, which cater to various sectors.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed pride in the continued partnership between Emirates and Boeing. “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,” she said. Pope noted that the performance and versatility of the Boeing 777 Freighter will be instrumental in supporting Emirates SkyCargo's growth and its mission to connect the world.

Even as Emirates SkyCargo expands its freighter fleet, the division remains committed to leveraging the airline’s all-wide-body passenger fleet to transport goods quickly, reliably, and efficiently. This mixed fleet approach, comprising Boeing 777s, 777Fs, 747Fs, Airbus A350s, and A380s, offers customers added flexibility when it comes to cargo solutions.

Additionally, the Dubai government’s ambitious plans to expand Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) further support the airline's growth trajectory. Once completed, DWC is expected to become the world’s largest cargo hub, capable of processing up to 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The expansion is also set to boost the nearby Logistics District, a global base for international cargo and shipping companies, aligning with Dubai’s broader goal of becoming the preeminent multi-modal cargo hub for air, sea, and land connections.

Looking ahead, Emirates plans to make a key decision by the end of this year regarding the next phase of its freighter fleet, with the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F as potential contenders for its operations in 2028/29 and beyond. This decision will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Emirates SkyCargo as it continues to expand its reach and capabilities on the global stage.