Call it a cargo crush. Emirates SkyCargo isn’t just growing its freighter fleet. It’s practically turbo-charging it. What started with five new aircraft in 2022 has snowballed into a full-blown 777F love affair.
In This Post
The Basics
- What: Emirates SkyCargo is expanding its Boeing 777 freighter fleet
- How many: Originally 5, now 14 more incoming
- Delivery timeline: Between 2025 and the end of 2026
- Fleet goal: 21 dedicated 777Fs, up from 11 today
- Extras: 10 Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft being converted to freighters
Let’s Rewind
In November 2022, Emirates SkyCargo quietly dropped a press release saying it was buying 5 brand-new Boeing 777-200LR freighters directly from Boeing. These aircraft are freighter royalty, big payloads, long-range, and fuel efficiency that doesn’t make accountants cry.
At the time, Emirates said the move was part of a broader strategy to boost capacity and support demand for everything from pharmaceuticals to racehorses (seriously).
Fast-forward to 2024, and it’s clear that it was just a teaser.
Enter: The 2024 Freighter Frenzy
In July 2024, Emirates firmed up another 5 777F orders and, in true Dubai fashion, followed up with 5 more in October. That brings the total to 15 Boeing 777 freighters ordered between 2022 and 2024.
All are set to join the fleet by the end of 2026, and once they do, Emirates will boast 21 dedicated 777Fs, one of the largest fleets of its kind on Earth (or at least in any duty-free terminal).
Oh, and they’re not stopping there. Emirates is also converting 10 Boeing 777-300ERs from passenger to freighter configuration, bringing even more cargo belly into the sky.
What’s the Play?
This isn’t just a vanity project. Emirates is betting big on long-haul, high-value cargo, and with demand for express, pharma, and perishables still flying high, this makes profound business sense. The 777F allows them to operate globally with fewer fuel stops, faster turnarounds, and zero risk of someone complaining about a middle seat.
Final Approach
With 21 777Fs and 10 conversions on the horizon, Emirates SkyCargo isn’t just flexing. It’s quietly becoming one of the most formidable global freight players. And with all that belly space? Let’s just say there’s more room than your checked baggage allowance ever dreamed of.
Keep the Miles Rolling:
1 comment