Emirates Skycargo commits to new cargo freighters

Emirates SkyCargo has ordered two more Boeing 777Fs into its fleet for 2022 and also announced it will convert four of its Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters between 2023 and 2024. His Highness (HH) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: "The last two years have put the spotlight on the importance of supply chain connectivity and the availability of air cargo capacity to global communities and economies. "Emirates plays a key role in making essential goods available to customers and consumers globally through the capacity available on our wide-body fleet, the reach of our global network, and the advanced infrastructure at our Dubai hub. Today, we are delighted to announce an investment of AED 3.6 billion (US$ 1 billion) to further expand our freighter capacity. This underscores our commitment to supporting our customers’ requirements, and reflects our confidence in our future growth and status as one of the largest airline cargo carriers in the world." READ: Aussie whizz Hapgood to lead digital production of Boeing’s next aircraft. READ: Sensational new finding in MH370 search  Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said "we are honored that Emirates has once again placed its confidence in the 777 Freighter as the backbone of its global network." "As the largest operator of 777 passenger and freighter models worldwide, Emirates’ success is a testament to the 777’s market-leading efficiency, improved sustainability and incredible range." Emirates SkyCargo has 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 stage. The conversion program for the four aircraft will commence in early 2023 and is expected to conclude in 2024 with each aircraft taking up to an estimated five months for the process. The converted 777-300ER freighters will provide up to 10 additional pallet positions over the Boeing 777-F production freighter allowing for transport of more low density cargo including e-commerce goods.