Emirates to expand freighter fleet with order for more 777Fs

Emirates SkyCargo has announced an order for more Boeing 777 freighters that will be used to expand its all-cargo fleet.

The Dubai-headquartered airline has placed a firm order for five 777Fs, on top of its existing order for nine of the model.

The aircraft will be used to expand its freighter fleet to 21 777Fs from its current 11 units when they are all delivered by the end of 2026.

Emirates had also previously announced plans to convert 10 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters and said it remains “invested” in the plan, although no update was given to the timeline for re-configuration.

The airline also operates three Boeing 747-400BDSF aircraft.

The decision to order more aircraft comes on the back of expectations for rising cargo demand and as Dubai plans to expand Al Maktoum International airport (DWC).

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “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.”

The Dubai government plans to expand DWC to an annual capacity of 12m tonnes supporting the expansion of the Logistics District.

The 777 Freighter can fly 9,200 km and carry 102 tonnes of freight.

Looking further into the future, the carrier said it is still in the process of deciding between the Boeing 777-8F and the A350-1000F for its freighter fleet beyond 2028/2029.

It said a decision would be made by the end of the year.

Last week, Air Cargo News reported that the cargo division of Emirates is in talks with both aircraft manufacturers on potential orders of the next-generation widebody freighter aircraft.

The airline has mostly operated Boeing freighters in the past, but it is not a given that Emirates will opt for the 777-8F.

In an interview with ACN at the end of last year, Ravishankar Mirle, vice president cargo commercial – Far East & Australasia, said the A350F could be “a good fit” for Emirates. 

The carrier is also investing in the A350 for the passenger side of its business and has 65 of the model on order, with the first due to be delivered this year.

Emirates is in the process of securing approval for three Airbus A350 simulators ahead of delivery of the twinjet type.

The Dubai-based airline is investing some $48m in training systems for pilots and cabin crew.

Nearly 30 pilots have been trained on A350s and, by the end of November, Emirates aims to have over 50 ready for A350 service entry.

Meanwhile, Boeing has also recently pushed the launch of the 777-8F back to 2028.

The 777-8F was originally anticipated to come to market in 2027 and the decision to push back the first delivery will put the airframer further behind Airbus, which itself shifted the entry into service date for the A350 freighter from the end of 2025 into 2026.

Reports: Emirates deciding between A350F and 777-8F

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