Emirates SkyCargo has ordered five more newbuild Boeing 777-200 freighters for delivery between 2025 and 2026.
The carrier's $1bn order follows its previous investment in four new 777-200Fs that are expected to arrive in 2024, plus a fifth 777-200F in 2025.
Emirates SkyCargo said that once the new aircraft enter service, available main deck cargo capacity will increase by 30%, allowing the airline to meet demand into key markets.
The airline did not clarify whether this figure is related to the five most recent aircraft, or the 10 777Fs due to enter service in total.
"Demand for our world-class product and services is growing exponentially, further amplified by Dubai's Economic Agenda which aims to double foreign trade and reinforce the city's position as a global trading hub. This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
In addition to the 10 777Fs on order, the airline recently confirmed it is sticking to a plan for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert 10 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters, despite production delays.
Emirates SkyCargo already has a freighter fleet of 11 777Fs and three wet-leased Boeing 747-400Fs.
This latest investment in capacity follows an 18% rise in Emirates SkyCargo's air cargo volumes for 2023-24.
Taking into account the staggered delivery of its new aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo said it will retire older freighters, although it did not provide a timeline for this.
The carrier is also yet to place any orders of the next-generation widebody freighter aircraft - the Airbus A350F and Boeing 777-8F.
"The next phase of our strategy will include a full assessment for our future freighter fleet reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are best equipped to respond to the evolving demands of the market and reaffirming our confidence in the role of airfreight and, more specifically, Emirates SkyCargo, in global trade," added Al Maktoum.
The twin-engine 777 freighter has a revenue payload of 102 tonnes and a range of 9,200 km. This range and payload capability allows operators to offer more long-range, nonstop flights to connect markets such as the Middle East with the US and Europe, without refuelling.
"We are honored that Emirates SkyCargo, renowned for operational excellence and innovation, has once again selected the Boeing 777 Freighter to extend the reach of its global network," said Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We deeply value Emirates' trust in the Boeing widebody family and are committed to supporting their long-term strategic growth plan."
The 777F is Boeing's best-selling freighter airplane of all time with more than 265 deliveries to date.
