Emirates SkyCargo to Expand Fleet with Five More Boeing 777 Freighters
October 22, 2024
On 21 October 2024, Boeing and Emirates SkyCargo announced an order for five more Boeing 777 Freighters, adding to an earlier purchase of five 777 Freighters. The latest order, from the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, was finalized in September and was listed as being to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website. This will bring Emirates’ total order book to 249 Boeing widebody aircraft, including 14 777 Freighters. Emirates SkyCargo plans to operate 21 777 Freighters in the coming years which will almost double the carrier’s current fleet of 11 freighters as the carrier continues to grow its cargo fleet to expand capacity and meet demand.
Boeing claims to be the market leader in freighter aircraft, saying that it provides more than 90% of the global dedicated freighter capacity, including new production and converted aircraft. Boeing says that its own Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that an additional 2,845 freighters will enter service over the next 20 years to support growing global trade and e-commerce demand.
Boeing has now delivered 275 777 Freighters, which it describes as the world’s largest and longest-range twin-engine freighter. The 777 Freighter is already Boeing’s best-selling freighter of all time. The 777 Freighter can carry more freight (102 tonnes) and fly further (9,200 kilometers/4,970 nautical miles) than any other twin-engined cargo aircraft today. This allows operators to fly more freight on more nonstop routes with better operating economics, connecting high-value cargo markets such as the Middle East with the US and Europe.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted that: “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. 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.”
For Emirates, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said that: “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. 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.”
Boeing’s relationship with the Middle East extends back to 1945. Since then, Boeing has established a number of offices across the region including those in Abu Dhabi, Doha Dubai, Kuwait and Riyadh.
