Emirates fleet expansion continues – this time its cargo arm, as the airline announced an order for five Boeing 777 Freighters.
Emirates Boeing 777F – Image, The Boeing Company
At list prices, these five aircraft are valued at more than $1.7 billion at list prices.
They will be operated by Emirates SkyCargo, adding to its fleet of 11 777 Freighters, bringing it up to a fleet of 16 aircraft. As well as operating the 777F aircraft that this division operates, Emirates SkyCargo also manages the cargo belly space in the Emirates passenger fleet, giving the service worldwide access.
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 type in its fleet.
In Quotes
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.”
Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial 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.”
The insatiable demand for high-priority cargo
The demand for cargo aircraft appears to be insatiable still, as airlines renew their fleets or expand their services.
Emirates SkyCargo is focusing on a 777-based fleet – with 10 more aircraft (Boeing 777-300ER/SF) special freighters converted from passenger aircraft from 2023 onwards. Combined with its own belly freight, it’s going to offer a competitive service for those who are happy their cargo is going via Dubai.
Other carriers waiting for new generation cargo jets or looking to the “feedstock” of older aircraft to be converted, depending on when these 777F aircraft are delivered. Either way, Emirates should have a competitive option.
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