Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world's largest international airline, is completing a significant year of growth and investment focused on current and future operations. The airline believes that air cargo will continue to play a vital role in international trade. Thus, it has taken important steps towards its long-term strategic growth plans, which aim to double capacity in the next decade and further consolidate its leadership in global air logistics.
Nabil Sultan, Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “2023 has been a pivotal year for Emirates SkyCargo. Despite ongoing fluctuations in air cargo, long-term trends show that the sector will grow by 3-5% on an annual basis. We manage to outpace market growth and from January to mid-December we transported over 7 tonnes, a solid increase of 1.183.000% compared to last year. “We are well positioned to gradually expand our operations in 2024 and continue our strategic growth that will position us as an industry leader with fast, reliable, flexible and efficient solutions.”
Access to every corner of the world
Setting out to strengthen Dubai's position as the world's largest logistics hub in line with the Dubai Economic Program (D33), Emirates SkyCargo is expanding its fleet and network to effectively meet the needs of global customers. During the first quarter, Emirates SkyCargo leased two Boeing 747-400F aircraft, immediately gaining additional cargo space in response to high customer demand. These aircraft join a fleet of 11 Boeing 777F aircraft and 251 passenger aircraft.
The company plans to expand further and expects four new 2024-777F aircraft in 200 and a fifth aircraft in 2025. This order is in addition to the 2035 wide-body transport aircraft Emirates has ordered and is expected to be delivered by 310.
Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its presence in Canada and North America through a strategic interline partnership with Air Canada Cargo, enhancing its competitive global connectivity around the world. Customers can book shipments to travel on Air Canada Cargo flights through the e-SkyCargo service, expanding Emirates SkyCargo's reach to 60 cities in Canada and 150 cities worldwide.
Expanding product portfolio
In May, Emirates SkyCargo strengthened its multi-vertical product portfolio with the launch of two new products under the Life Sciences and Healthcare Sector. Emirates Vital is a specialized product designed to transport clinical trials, cell and gene therapies and human samples, solving specific challenges in healthcare. Emirates Medical Devices carries everything from pacemakers to MRIs to GDP specifications. Since its launch, Emirates SkyCargo has transported approximately 1.000 tonnes of highly sensitive cargo using just these two products.
Emirates Delivers has expanded its presence in Kuwait to provide international delivery of goods purchased in the UK and US to customers who have opted out of e-commerce. Emirates Delivers recognizes the opportunities presented by the wider Middle East region, which has not yet been adequately covered, and is preparing for a significant expansion into the e-commerce shipments space next year, during which it will rapidly deliver offerings. , reliable and cost-effective delivery solutions.
Advanced digitalization strategy
The airline has helped shape the digital landscape for cargo transportation throughout 2023. In addition to its own online booking platform e-SkyCargo, the company's capabilities are now also available on CargoAi and WebCargo, with further expansion planned in early 2024. In October, Emirates SkyCargo launched a groundbreaking host company partnership with global shipping company Kuehne+Nagel, providing direct access to its industry-leading products and services through its in-house booking system.
"The World Works Better with Emirates SkyCargo"
Emirates SkyCargo has launched a new campaign reflecting the company's broad contribution to global trade and showcasing "How the world works better with Emirates SkyCargo". Disrupting traditional USP-driven advertising in the cargo industry, the campaign has become the mantra by which Emirates SkyCargo operates and delivers tangible impact to customers around the world.
Giving a helping hand to communities around the world
Committed to helping communities around the world, the airline also supports humanitarian missions. Following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in February, Emirates SkyCargo quickly established an air bridge to Istanbul in collaboration with the International Humanitarian City (IHC). Emirates SkyCargo and IHC allocated cargo space on their daily flights to Istanbul for two weeks, ensuring a steady flow of emergency supplies to NGOs on the ground.
More meaningful operations
Emirates SkyCargo continues to focus on meaningful, sustainable and green initiatives that impact both its own operations and the industry as a whole. From ground-based programs that recycle 75% of all plastic film at the airline's facilities in Dubai to optimizing the way aircraft are loaded, greener and more sustainable operations will continue to be a priority for Emirates SkyCargo in 2024 and beyond.
In August, Emirates Group achieved IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Stage One certification and the IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade module, to which Emirates SkyCargo made a significant contribution. Playing an important role in preventing illegal wildlife trade, the certificate is a confirmation of the entire company's commitment to taking action.
As 2023 draws to a close, Emirates SkyCargo is not slowing down. Continuing to reflect its confidence in the future of air logistics, it has set ambitious growth plans, including investing in digital capabilities to serve its customers in a dynamic environment, adding 20 new destinations to its cargo aircraft network and doubling existing capacity in the coming period. ten years.