Emirates SkyCargo Drives Record-Breaking Growth with 16% Increase

Emirates Group has announced its strongest half-year financial performance, recording a profit before tax of AED 10.4 billion (USD 2.8 billion) for the first half of 2024-25, marking a record high.

This surpasses last year’s performance despite the introduction of a 9% UAE corporate income tax, which led to a profit after tax of AED 9.3 billion (USD 2.5 billion).

Growth Driven by Strong Demand Across All Divisions

The Group’s revenue for the period hit AED 70.8 billion (USD 19.3 billion), up 5% from the previous year, showcasing strong demand across its various business sectors. Emirates SkyCargo and dnata were pivotal in driving this growth, with notable increases in air cargo volume and global operations.

Emirates SkyCargo’s Record-Breaking Performance

Emirates SkyCargo saw exceptional growth in air freight, transporting 1.2 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2024-25, an increase of 16% compared to last year.

“Strong customer demand, particularly from China’s eCommerce sector, and added freighter capacity have been key drivers in this performance,” said Emirates President, Sir Tim Clark. “We’re continuously investing in our fleet, with new Boeing 777 freighters, and expanded operational capacity to support this growth.”

Emirates SkyCargo’s success also resulted in an 11% increase in cargo yields, emphasizing its strengthened position in global air logistics. The department added a new Boeing 777 freighter and two additional Boeing 747 freighters to its fleet, further expanding its capacity to meet growing demand.

dnata’s Expansion and Growth

dnata, the Group’s ground services provider, has demonstrated a strong performance across its diverse operations, including cargo, ground handling, catering, and travel services. dnata’s revenue reached AED 10.4 billion (USD 2.8 billion), an 11% increase from last year, with cargo handling and airport operations contributing to the largest share of revenue.

“dnata has continued to capitalize on market opportunities and invest in infrastructure to ensure we meet the growing demand across key markets,” said Steve Allen, dnata’s CEO. “Our investments in new ground support equipment and expanded capacity in Zurich and Raleigh-Durham are just a few examples of how we’re enhancing our global footprint.”

In the first half of 2024-25, dnata’s cargo operations handled 1.5 million tonnes, an 18% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the division’s flight catering services saw a revenue increase of 8%, with expanded production in key regions like Australia and the UK.

Sustainability and Innovation

Both Emirates and dnata are committed to sustainability. Emirates continued its efforts to reduce carbon emissions by uplifting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in locations such as Singapore and London Heathrow. The airline also launched a partnership with the Aviation Impact Accelerator at the University of Cambridge to fund research into emissions reduction.

Dnata, too, is focused on reducing its environmental impact. The company transitioned its entire fleet of non-electric ground vehicles in the UAE to biodiesel and added more electric ground support equipment (GSE) in Brazil and the UAE.

Outlook for the Rest of 2024-25

The Emirates Group remains confident in the continued growth of its operations. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, stated, “We expect customer demand to remain strong through the remainder of 2024-25, supported by new aircraft joining the Emirates fleet and enhanced facilities at dnata.”

As the group continues to expand its operations, particularly through the development of new routes and the addition of new aircraft, it is poised for further success in the latter half of the year.

Continued Investment and Expansion Across the Group

Emirates has committed billions of dollars to invest in new products, technology, and employee satisfaction to ensure long-term growth. The first retrofitted Boeing 777s, which include the introduction of new Premium Economy seating, have already been deployed on several routes, with more scheduled for the coming months.

Additionally, dnata has expanded its services in various regions, including launching ground handling operations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in the United States and enhancing its cargo handling capacity in Zurich.

Both Emirates and dnata’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction underscores their ongoing commitment to shaping the future of global aviation and logistics.