Emirates SkyCargo Expands Capacity Across East Asia Routes

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has expanded its services to Hangzhou, China, marking another milestone in its operations across East and Southeast Asia. With this new launch, Emirates SkyCargo now offers over 21,000 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity in and out of the region. This makes it one of the most diversified and extensive networks among non-Asian airlines.

By strengthening its presence in this part of the world, Emirates SkyCargo now operates in 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories in East and Southeast Asia. The region, often called the ‘factory of the world,’ has become a key hub for manufacturing, trade, and global business. This expansion allows Emirates SkyCargo to serve the growing demand for air freight, helping businesses move goods quickly and reliably across the world.

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High-Capacity Freighter Operations

Emirates SkyCargo has dedicated freighters serving nine key destinations in East and Southeast Asia. These freighters operate 44 weekly flights, providing the highest freighter flight density within Emirates’ global network. This high-frequency schedule ensures businesses in Asia have steady access to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

In addition to freighter flights, Emirates SkyCargo runs 13 weekly charter services to and from East Asia. These charter flights provide additional flexibility and capacity for companies that need special handling or faster shipping. Supporting both freighter and charter operations, Emirates also operates 311 weekly passenger flights. These flights use a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777 aircraft, transporting passengers as well as cargo.

With such a frequent schedule, an Emirates aircraft departs from East or Southeast Asia approximately every half hour, highlighting the airline’s commitment to connectivity and efficiency in the region.

Strategic Growth in East and Southeast Asia

According to Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial for the Far East and Australasia, “East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics and global trade. From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade.”

He further explained that Emirates SkyCargo’s strategic growth in East and Southeast Asia reflects its commitment to building capacity, routes, and partnerships. The aim is to meet the rising demand for air cargo services and provide reliable solutions for global businesses.

Supporting Economic Growth

East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets for Emirates SkyCargo due to their status as global centers for manufacturing, innovation, e-commerce, and agriculture. The region produces a variety of goods, from electronics and garments to fresh produce, which require reliable air freight services.

On an average week, Emirates SkyCargo transports:

• Over 450 tonnes of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other perishable goods

• Around 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices

• Approximately 75 tonnes of electronics, semi-conductors, and smart products

• Around 180 tonnes of garments

• More than 1,300 tonnes of e-commerce shipments

This wide range of cargo reflects the diversity of trade in the region. With these services, Emirates SkyCargo supports businesses in moving their products quickly and safely to markets around the world.

The ‘Aerial Silk Road’

Emirates SkyCargo’s operations in East and Southeast Asia are part of a network often referred to as the ‘Aerial Silk Road.’ This network of air routes, logistics hubs, and aviation infrastructure mirrors the historic Silk Roads, connecting Asia to global markets efficiently.

With access to more than 145 destinations worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo is well-positioned to facilitate trade across continents. The airline also supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative, connecting over 50 countries involved in this initiative. By doing so, Emirates SkyCargo helps ensure that goods can move swiftly and reliably between Asia and other regions.

Strategic Partnerships

Beyond its own fleet and network, Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia. This collaboration helps expand trade between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world through Dubai.

Through this partnership, Emirates SkyCargo can now reach over 100 primary, secondary, and tertiary airports in Southeast Asia. This allows the airline to offer increased capacity, better flexibility, and access to new markets. At the same time, it enables Southeast Asian businesses to connect efficiently with Europe, the United States, and Canada.

A Series of Firsts

Emirates SkyCargo has a long history of pioneering new routes in East Asia. In September 2002, it launched freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai. This was the first direct air cargo connection between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland and came 18 months before passenger services began.

The airline continued this tradition of innovation in 2025 by launching a weekly freighter service to Japan’s Narita International Airport. This marked the first direct and scheduled freighter connection between Narita and the Middle East. The Narita route enables faster and more flexible shipments of pharmaceuticals, semi-conductor parts, and large or unusual cargo such as machinery components.

A Focus on the Future

Emirates SkyCargo’s 10-year growth strategy prioritizes East and Southeast Asia as key markets. The airline plans to increase capacity through additional flight schedules and the launch of new routes. By deepening connectivity across the region, Emirates SkyCargo aims to maintain seamless links with major markets worldwide.

This expansion will not only strengthen global supply chains but also support bilateral economic growth. It positions Emirates SkyCargo as a key player in shaping the future of global logistics, ensuring that businesses in Asia and beyond can move their products quickly, reliably, and efficiently.

Emirates SkyCargo’s expansion into Hangzhou and its wider operations across East and Southeast Asia highlights the airline’s commitment to serving some of the world’s most important economic regions. With freighters, charters, passenger flights, and strategic partnerships, Emirates SkyCargo ensures consistent capacity, flexible services, and strong global connectivity.

The airline continues to play a crucial role in supporting trade, e-commerce, and the movement of perishable and specialized cargo. Its network not only helps Asian businesses reach international markets but also strengthens the flow of goods worldwide. As Emirates SkyCargo grows, East and Southeast Asia will remain at the heart of its global strategy, driving innovation, efficiency, and economic growth in the years to come.

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