Emirates SkyCargo is reportedly deciding on an order for either the Airbus A350 freighter or the Boeing 777-8 freighter as it looks to secure more capacity to meet future demand.
The cargo division of Emirates is in talks with both aircraft manufacturers on potential orders of the next-generation widebody freighter aircraft and is expected to make a decision in a matter of weeks, reported UAE-based newspaper The National.
“A further announcement in terms of investments in the freighters” will be made, said Nadeem Sultan, senior vice president of freighters and cargo planning.
The announcement will be made in “the next couple of weeks”, he added.
Emirates told Air Cargo News it had "no comment" to make "at this stage", but the airline has historically opted for Boeing's freighters.
Emirates SkyCargo's latest aircraft investment was in July when it ordered five 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 were all expected to be delivered this year, plus a fifth 777-200F in 2025.
Data from Planespotters shows Emirates currently has 11 777F in its fleet.
In addition to the 10 777Fs on order, the airline confirmed in June that it is sticking to a plan for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert 10 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters, despite production delays.
It's not a given that Emirates will opt for the 777-8F though. In an interview with ACN at the end of last year, Ravishankar Mirle, vice president cargo commercial - Far East & Australasia, said the A350F could be "a good fit" for Emirates.
The carrier is also investing in the A350 for the passenger side of its business and has 65 of the model on order, with the first due to be delivered this year.
Emirates is in the process of securing approval for three Airbus A350 simulators ahead of delivery of the twinjet type.
The Dubai-based airline is investing some $48m in training systems for pilots and cabin crew.
Nearly 30 pilots have been trained on A350s and, by the end of November, Emirates aims to have over 50 ready for A350 service entry.
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