Emirates SkyCargo orders 5 Boeing 777F, weighs more freighter orders

Dubai’s Emirates said on Monday that it had placed a firm order for five Boeing 777F freighters and will make a decision this year on a purchase of further Boeing or Airbus models for its future freighter fleet beyond 2028/29.

The carrier said that, together with its previous orders, it now has 14 Boeing 777Fs pending delivery from the US planemaker until the end of 2026.

Emirates said it had also signed a multi-year lease extension with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise for four Boeing 777Fs, which it already operates.

“Based on these investments, by December 2026, Emirates SkyCargo expects to operate a fleet of 21 production-built Boeing 777 freighters, significantly expanding its current fleet of 11 units,” the airline said in a statement.

The airline also remains committed to a delayed project to convert 10-passenger Boeing 777-3000ERs into freighters. It signed a deal with Israel Aerospace Industries to convert the planes into freighters in November 2021.

“We’re investing in new freighter aircraft to meet surging demand and provide our customers around the world with even more flexibility, connectivity, and options to leverage market opportunity,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

“Demand for Emirates’ air cargo services has been booming. This reflects Dubai’s growing prominence as a preferred and trusted global logistics hub, as well as the success of Emirates SkyCargo’s bespoke solutions that address the needs of shippers in different industry sectors.”

The airline said its cargo division would continue to use its all-wide-body passenger fleet to facilitate the movement of goods worldwide. With a fleet mix comprised of 777s, 777-Fs, 747Fs, A350s, and A380s, the airline can offer customers more flexibility.

The order for more of the current-generation freighters comes amid tensions between Emirates and Boeing over renewed criticism of delays in the 777X passenger version and voiced concerns over a corporate crisis at the US planemaker.

Last week, Emirates Airline President Tim Clark criticised Boeing over a cumulative six-year delay to the 777X programme as the planemaker wrestles with an industrial and financial crisis.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates Airline chides Boeing over fresh 777X delay