Emirates SkyCargo has ordered five additional Boeing 777 freighters to expand its cargo fleet, marking its second order for the aircraft type this year.
The deal will nearly double Emirates’ dedicated freighter fleet to 21 aircraft in the coming years.
Emirates Airline and Group Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the expansion reflected Dubai’s growing logistics prominence.
“Demand for Emirates’ air cargo services has been booming. This reflects Dubai’s growing prominence as a preferred and trusted global logistics hub,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
The Boeing 777 Freighter can carry 102 tonnes of cargo and fly up to 9,200 kilometres non-stop.
The order brings Emirates’ total Boeing widebody orders to 249 aircraft.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope welcomed the airline’s continued commitment.
“Emirates continues to set the direction for our industry and we deeply appreciate the trust they have placed in the Boeing widebody family,” Pope said.
The deal, finalised in September, was previously listed as an unidentified customer on Boeing’s orders website.
Industry forecasts predict demand for 2,845 additional freighters over the next two decades.
Boeing currently provides more than 90 per cent of global dedicated freighter capacity.
The 777 Freighter remains Boeing’s best-selling cargo aircraft with 275 deliveries to date.
