Emirates SkyCargo Expanding Boldly in the Skies

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, Emirates, is setting its sights to even greater heights in the skies. Operating two world-class cargo terminals in Dubai with a combined capacity of over 2.3 million tons per annum, Emirates SkyCargo, the global leader in air freight services, offers a broad range of solutions across multiple industries. The company is working to further bolster its capacity to meet increasing demand for air transport in today’s digital age where e-commerce continues to change the global business landscape.

The Dubai-based cargo airline has 13 Boeing 777 freighters on order, and expects to operate a fleet of 21 aircraft by December 2026. Costing USD 1 billion, the order is part of Emirates’ total order book of 315 wide-body aircraft.

Founded in 1985, Emirates SkyCargo’s modern fleet of aircrafts connects the world to a network of over 145 destinations and 38 destinations served by freighters, spanning 83 countries and territories across six continents, including 50 dedicated freighter locations.

Each aircraft is highly capable of supporting diverse types of cargo, from perishables to pharmaceuticals, to e-commerce and live animals, to other high-value goods, handled with care by its cargo and logistics experts. Its state-of-the-art facilities from the plane down to the ground, guarantees the safety and integrity of its diverse shipments.

In an exclusive interview with Air Cargo Update, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, outlines the company’s strategic vision for the future, focused on modernization, technology adoption, and sustainability.

With over two decades of experience in the air cargo and aviation industry, Abbas is a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of global logistics.

He joined Emirates in 2000 and has held various key positions within the airline, contributing significantly to its growth and expansion. Before taking on his current role, he served as Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations – Africa, and was instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing the airline’s global presence.

Abbas highlights company’s plans to expand the freighter fleet to 21 Boeing 777Fs by 2026 – strengthening Emirates SkyCargo’s position as a key player in global trade.

He also discussed the increasing importance of cold chain logistics for pharmaceuticals, with the company investing heavily on state-of-the-art facilities to maintain the integrity of sensitive shipments.

Abbas highlighted the company’s focus on digital tools like e-Quote and eSkyCargo to enhance customer experience, alongside efforts to grow its operations in emerging markets like Africa.

Looking ahead, Abbas aims to leverage innovation, technology, and customer-centric solutions to strengthen the global supply chains. With robust growth strategies, Emirates SkyCargo continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the skies.

As the new Divisional Senior Vice President, what is your strategic vision for Emirates SkyCargo? What immediate priorities have you identified for the division?
Emirates SkyCargo has built a reputation for excellence in global logistics industry. My vision is to take it even further – positioning it as a trusted partner that seamlessly connects businesses and communities worldwide. Right now, our top priorities include modernizing our freighter fleet and ensuring we provide the fastest, most reliable connections for key air cargo trade routes through Dubai.

Our strategies will focus on embracing cutting-edge technology and strengthening our customer partnerships and driving sustainable growth. We aim to redefine the future of air cargo and contribute to the prosperity of the global economy.

With over 24 years at Emirates, including roles in commercial operations across various regions, how do you plan to leverage your vast experience to drive growth and innovation within the Emirates SkyCargo?
Having spent over 24 years at Emirates in various commercial roles across different regions, I have seen how innovation and customer centricity can transform industries. My journey with Emirates taught me the power of collaboration, adaptability, and long-term vision. I am excited to bring these insights into Emirates SkyCargo, fostering new opportunities for growth and inspiring our teams to push boundaries. The goal is to keep Emirates SkyCargo at the forefront of innovation, strengthening connections between communities and economies worldwide.

The company has announced plans to expand its freighter fleet to 21 Boeing 777Fs by 2026. Could you elaborate on the strategic considerations behind this significant investment and how it aligns with your long-term growth objectives?
Expanding our freighter fleet is an ambitious step and a testament to our belief in the limitless potential of global trade. By adding more Boeing 777Fs, we are not just growing our capacity – we are strengthening our ability to tap into emerging markets while bolstering reliability with our partners. The Boeing 777 freighters are the epitome of efficiency and sustainability, perfectly aligned with our vision to serve as the backbone of global supply chains and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading air cargo hub.

In the meantime, while we wait for these new freighters, we have already taken steps to expand capacity by wet-leasing two additional Boeing 747s. This allows us to meet immediate demand while continuing to integrate dedicated freighters with our wide-body passenger fleet, giving us the flexibility to move goods swiftly and efficiently worldwide.

With the recent launch of e-Quote and the refresh of digital channels like eSkyCargo and SkyCargo.com, how do you envision these tools enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency?
Digital innovation is reshaping our industry, and tools like e-Quote, eSkyCargo, and SkyCargo.com are giving our customers more control and convenience than ever before. Being present on major global platforms like WebCargo, Cargo.one, and Cargo.ai means we are right where our customers need us, making it easier to book even specialized shipments like pharmaceuticals. And the impact is clear.

Today, more than 60% of our bookings happen digitally. This not only increases efficiency and cuts down on manual tasks but also frees up our teams to focus on handling more complex shipments—like Emirates valuables and pet transportation. It’s more than just an upgrade—it’s a whole new way of thinking about air cargo logistics.

Given recent increasing operations across African destinations, how is Emirates SkyCargo adapting its services to meet the growing demands in this region?
Africa is becoming a major player in global trade, and Emirates SkyCargo is helping businesses across the continent connect with international markets. By combining our dedicated freighters with the cargo capacity of our passenger aircraft, we provide the flexibility to move goods smoothly across 20 key African destinations and beyond. Our extensive trucking network adds another layer of connectivity, ensuring cargo reaches its destination efficiently.

Take South Africa, for instance—we transport goods by truck between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. While Africa remains a key market, we have also seen rising demand from regions like the Far East and West Asia, especially for e-commerce and high-tech products.

These goods move through Dubai, connecting to major markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. On top of that, we have introduced dedicated freighter services to Copenhagen to support the growing export of pharmaceuticals and perishable goods. At the core of it all, we are committed to facilitating global trade with reliability and care.

Emirates SkyCargo has achieved a remarkable increase in cargo volume heading into 2025. What key strategies and operational enhancements have contributed to their growth and how do you plan to sustain this momentum in the coming year?
Our 16% year-on-year growth, reaching 1.2 million tons, is a clear sign of the trust our customers place in us and our commitment to delivering excellence. The rise in e-commerce, increasing demand for perishables, and our customized solutions have been key drivers of this success.

Looking ahead, our 10-year strategy is set to double our capacity, expand our network, and strengthen our position as a leader in air cargo logistics. With a fleet of 21 freighters by December 2026 and a customer-first mindset, we are excited to shape the future of global trade.

Sustainability is a growing focus in the aviation industry. What initiatives has Emirates SkyCargo undertaken to reduce carbon footprint? Is SkyCargo exploring sustainable aviation fuels or other eco-friendly logistic solutions?
As we continue to grow, sustainability remains at the core of everything we do. Our fuel-efficient aircraft and innovative operations help us cut down on our carbon footprint, and initiatives like joining ‘The Move to -15 Degrees’ global coalition are pushing industry standards forward. Beyond our day-to-day operations, we are also taking a stand against illegal wildlife trafficking.

In 2023, we were proud to earn the IATA Environmental Stage 1 certification—an important milestone in our journey. At Emirates SkyCargo, we are not just moving cargo—we are shaping a greener, more responsible future for the logistics industry.

In light of recent global supply chain disruptions, like there was global IT outage and strikes across the world within the logistics industry, how has Emirates SkyCargo updated its operations to maintain reliability and meet customer expectations?
Adapting to disruptions is in our DNA. By diversifying our network, embracing technology, and building strong customer relationships, we have developed a solid foundation to handle global challenges. When obstacles come our way, we see them as chances to innovate and stay ahead—making sure our customers can always count on us to keep their supply chains moving, no matter what.

Beyond digital platforms, is Emirates SkyCargo exploring the integration of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain to further enhance logistic and cargo management?
Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain are shaping the future of logistics, and we are fully embracing them to transform how we operate. Whether it’s real-time tracking, predictive analytics, or improving transparency, these advancements are redefining air cargo logistics. Automation is helping us tackle labor shortages, while AI is making route planning smarter and optimizing fleet maintenance.

At the heart of it, our goal is to blend advanced technology with human expertise, ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation and deliver exceptional service.

Cold chain logistics are crucial for pharmaceutical shipments. What advancement has Emirates SkyCargo made in its temperature control solutions to ensure the integrity of sensitive pharmaceutical products?
Pharmaceutical shipments are critical, and we take that responsibility seriously. That’s why we have invested USD 200 million to ensure every shipment is handled with the utmost care. Our cutting-edge, 15,000 square-meter GDP-certified facilities in Dubai are the largest and most advanced in the world, featuring temperature-controlled storage, cool dollies, and innovative solutions like water-resistant covers.

At Emirates SkyCargo, we are proud to lead the market, moving over 2 million kilograms of pharmaceuticals every week. With a network of 44 pharma corridors, we maintain high cold chain standards across the globe—ensuring life-saving treatments get to the people who need them, reliably and efficiently.

How is Emirates SkyCargo adapting its services to meet the needs of growing e-commerce hubs, particularly in regions like the Middle East and South Asia? Are there any recent investments in SkyCargo’s facilities or fleet to support the growing volumes of e-commerce shipments?
E-commerce is transforming the global economy, and we are here to help businesses succeed in this fast-moving landscape. Our extensive network, frequent flights, and specialized infrastructure ensure we deliver both speed and reliability to our B2C and B2B customers. As e-commerce continues to grow, product cycles are getting shorter, and the demand for faster fulfillment is rising.

To keep up, we are expanding our fleet with additional freighters and A350s featuring enhanced belly-hold capacity—ensuring we meet these demands head-on. At Emirates SkyCargo, we are driving e-commerce growth through innovation and efficiency.

How does Emirates SkyCargo anticipate global airfreight demand, and how are you looking forward to your operations in the coming next 5-7 years, and what steps are being taken to position the company for these changes?
The next five to seven years are set to be a game-changer for us. With growing demand for e-commerce, perishables, and pharmaceuticals, we are gearing up by expanding our fleet, focusing on sustainability, and pushing forward with digital innovation. A major milestone on the horizon is Dubai’s expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport – soon to be the world’s largest cargo hub.

With the capacity to handle 12 million tons of cargo annually, this development puts Emirates SkyCargo right at the center of global trade. It will also drive the growth of the nearby logistics district, which is set to become a hub for global cargo and shipping companies. This is all part of Dubai’s ambitious plan to lead the world in multi-modal cargo operations across air, sea, and land. We are not just keeping up with demand—we are actively shaping the future of air cargo logistics.