Emirates SkyCargo flies 2.6m tons of cargo across 6 continents

Published: Thursday, January 10, 2019

Between January and December 2018, Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, flew close to 2.6 million tons of cargo across six continents. From fruits and vegetables to space satellites, from pharmaceuticals to domestic pets, the air cargo carrier transported goods that have had a direct positive impact on the lives of millions.

In 2018, Emirates SkyCargo carried over 73,000 tons of pharmaceutical cargo. With its fleet of over 270 aircraft and state-of-the-art facilities, Emirates SkyCargo is able to securely and rapidly transport vaccines and other critical medicines to where they are most needed.

Emirates SkyCargo introduced the pharma corridors initiative across select destinations. Working with ground handling partners and other stakeholders, the initiative ensures uniform high standards for the handling of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals from origin to destination. Emirates SkyCargo currently has 20 pharma stations across its network.

Emirates SkyCargo transported over 1,100 tonnes of food including fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, every single day in 2018.

Through Emirates Fresh, the air cargo carrier’s specialized portfolio of solutions for perishables transportation, Emirates SkyCargo ensure that food items retain their freshness and arrive at their destinations on time.

From cherished pets to super cars and satellites, Emirates SkyCargo has developed vast expertise in transporting cargo that is extremely valuable to customers.

In 2018, the carrier transported 7,900 domestic cats and dogs on its flights. The carrier also launched Emirates Pets, a product designed to offer convenient and comfortable air transportation experience for domestic pets with options for door-to-door pickup and delivery of the animal.

Emirates SkyCargo transported over 1,140 premium and luxury cars in 2018. In February 2018, Emirates SkyCargo transported Khalifasat – the first satellite developed and built by Emirati engineers in the UAE – from Dubai to Seoul.

Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet of freighter aircraft operated 395 charter flights between January and December 2018. In September 2018, 19 flights were chartered to transport around 500 horses from Liege, Belgium to Greenville-Spartanburg, USA for the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018. Over the course of the year, 1,800 horses travelled on Emirates SkyCargo’s Boeing 777 freighters to participate in racing events.

Charter flights were also used to transport equipment and instruments for music concerts and other entertainment events across the world.