Emirates wet leasing 747-400s to hike capacity of SkyCargo

The Emirates is wet leasing two Boeing 747-400 freighters to increase capacity for the SkyCargo division. Their introduction illustrates the operator’s “confidence” in the cargo market and provides ‘immediate’ increased capability, while it awaits additional freighters. It is deploying the 747s on routes to Chicago and Hong Kong. Planning to expand the SkyCargo fleet, Emirates will acquire five more Boeing 777Fs during 2024-25. The airline has 11 777 freighters. The airline is taking 10 777-300ERs, which will be converted into freighters over the next five years. “We believe these additional aircraft too will not be sufficient,” said Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior VP, SkyCargo.