Boeing is set to deliver five more 777 Freighter aircraft to Emirates SkyCargo in a $1.7-billion deal. Dubai-based Emirates announced a $1 billion capital investment to its cargo fleet in November 2021, including buying two new 777s and converting 10 700-300ER passenger jets into freighter aircraft.
The two new aircraft have been delivered in recent months, and the three jets represented by the converted orders will begin in 2023.
"Emirates is investing in new freighters so that we can continue to serve customer demand with the latest fuel-efficient aircraft,” according to chairman and CEO Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. “This order reflects Emirates' confidence in air freight demand and overall aviation sector growth. It lays the ground for our continued growth, which is driven by the reach of our diverse global network, the advanced handling infrastructure at our Dubai hub, and the tailored transport solutions that Emirates has developed to serve our varied customers' needs."
Emirates SkyCargo currently has a fleet of 11 777 freighters, and in 2010 it was a launch customer for the 777 Freighter. According to the OEM, the 777F is the largest air cargo jet available and has the longest range. (Boeing unveiled the 777-9 Freighter in January of this year, and already has drawn orders for more than 50 of that new model.)
Also, Boeing noted that Emirates is the world's largest operator of the 777 series with 135 of the twin-engine wide-body jets in its fleet.
"The expansion of Emirates' fleet with these additional fuel-efficient 777 Freighters will enable the airline to support its growing cargo market demand, transporting goods rapidly and efficiently from origin to destination in the Middle East and around the world," stated Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal.
