Emirates adds five Boeing 777-200LRF freighters to order book

Emirates has announced a firm order for five new Boeing 777-200LR freighter aircraft, with two units to be delivered in 2024 and the remaining three in 2025.

The agreement, worth over $1.7bn at list prices, takes the airline’s total order book to 200 wide-body aircraft. The new aircraft will add to the 11 777 freighters already operated by Emirates SkyCargo, the airlines’ all-cargo division, bringing the fleet to 16 aircraft.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates is investing in new freighters so that we can continue to serve customer demand with the latest fuel-efficient aircraft.

“This order reflects Emirates’ confidence in airfreight 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.”

Stan Deal, president and chief executive, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We value the trust that Emirates has repeatedly placed in its all-Boeing freighter fleet. “The expansion of Emirates’ fleet with these additional fuel-efficient B777 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.”

At last November’s Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced a $1bn investment to expand its air cargo capacity, including two new 777Fs which have already joined the Emirates fleet, and plans to convert 10 777-300ERs into freighter aircraft. The aircraft conversion work is scheduled to begin in 2023.

Emirates SkyCargo is one of the world’s largest air cargo carriers. Emirates was the launch customer for the 777 freighter.

The aircraft has since become core to the airline’s operations, operating scheduled and charter missions to destinations across six continents.

Emirates currently operates a fleet of 777 freighters, in addition to bellyhold cargo capacity on its fleet of widebody Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 passenger aircraft.