Emirates Boosts Cargo Capacity with Additional Boeing 747-400F Wet Leases

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has strategically expanded its fleet by wet-leasing two additional Boeing 747-400(BDSF)s from AirACT, a Turkish airline. This move increases the total number of Boeing 747 freighters under wet lease in its operations to four, indicating a significant enhancement in Emirates’ cargo handling capacity.

The two aircraft, identified as 31.25-year-old TC-ACF and 32.07-year-old TC-ACG, were transferred from Istanbul Airport to Dubai World Central on July 19, 2024. Both freighters, according to ADS-B data, have commenced operations on Emirates’ cargo routes, with initial flights targeting the busy Hong Kong International corridor.

This expansion stems from a proactive approach by Emirates to maintain service continuity amid ongoing manufacturing delays. Nadeem Sultan, Vice President at Emirates, highlighted in a July interview with STAT Trade Times the necessity of these ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreements. Sultan described the agreements as “long-term commitments,” essential for ensuring capacity stability as the airline awaits the delivery of new aircraft and the completion of cargo conversion projects.

The airline’s anticipation of new Boeing 777-200Fs has been affected by delays in the Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion process, a challenge that has led to the increased reliance on leased Boeing 747-400Fs. The delays in converting their Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters, undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries, have necessitated these interim measures.

Currently, Emirates also wet-leases another Boeing 747-400(BDSF) and a Boeing 747-400FSCD from Aerotranscargo, based in Moldova. The overall strategy reflects Emirates’ commitment to maintaining robust cargo operations, crucial for meeting global shipping demands.

Emirates SkyCargo’s in-house fleet primarily includes eleven Boeing 777-200Fs, underscoring its significant investment in modern and efficient cargo carriers. Conversely, AirACT, the partner airline from Türkiye, boasts a specialized fleet that includes two Boeing 747-400(BDSF)s and two Boeing 747-400ERFs, demonstrating its capacity and expertise in the cargo airline sector.

The collaboration between Emirates and AirACT exemplifies strategic partnership and operational agility in the competitive air freight industry, ensuring Emirates remains at the forefront of global cargo services despite industry-wide challenges. Both airlines have yet to release further comments on this expanded collaboration.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com