Emirates SkyCargo signed a purchasing agreement with Boeing of two new Boeing 777-F aircraft, which will be delivered in April and June 2022, respectively. Emirates SkyCargo was the first launch customer for the Boeing 777-F in 2009.
«We are honored that Emirates has once again relied on the 777 Freighter as the backbone of its global network,» said Ihssane Mounir, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales, and Marketing, Boeing. » As the world’s largest operator of 777 passenger and freighter models, Emirates’ success is a testimony to the 777’s market-leading efficiency, enhanced sustainability, and incredible range,» he concluded.
In a separate development, the operator signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the conversion of four Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into full freighters. The agreement also includes an option for further Boeing 777-300ER conversions at a later phase. The conversion program for the four aircraft will begin in early 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2024, with an estimated time of five months for each aircraft.
The converted freighters will provide up to 10 additional pallet slots over the production Boeing 777-F, enabling the transport of more low-density cargo, including e-commerce products. They will boost the main deck cargo capacity that Emirates SkyCargo can deploy on its global routes, with a particular focus on trade routes where volumetric loads are likely to be high. The payload capacity of the converted aircraft is very similar to that of the production Boeing 777-F freighters and the twin-engine aircraft will be more efficient per ton of cargo carried than industry-standard freighters.
«IAI is proud to be partnering with the brightest minds in the region to create solutions to the global demand for freighter aircraft,» said IAI CEO and President Boaz Levy. «IAI Aviation Group, a world leader in freighter conversions, is presently converting the first B777-300ER aircraft, together with GECAS, to provide the most seamless solution for the rise of e-commerce. Emirates’ decision to select IAI for the conversion of its passenger aircraft to the freighter configuration is a statement of IAI’s professional capability and long-standing international recognition in this field.»
«Emirates plays a fundamental role in delivering essential goods to customers and consumers around the world thanks to the capacity available in our widebody fleet, the scope of our global network, and the advanced infrastructure of our Dubai hub», he said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group.
«Today we are thrilled to announce a $1 billion investment to further expand our cargo capacity. This highlights our commitment to supporting our customers’ needs, and reflects our confidence in our future growth and our status as one of the world’s largest cargo airlines», he concluded.
