Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo — the freight division of the world’s largest international airline, is strengthening its commitment to East and Southeast Asia. The new route brings the airline’s total weekly cargo capacity in and out of the region to over 21,000 tonnes, spanning 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories — the most extensive and diversified network of any non-Asian carrier, a Dubai Media Office report said.
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The region, often dubbed the “factory of the world,” has long played a crucial role in global supply chains. Emirates SkyCargo’s presence reflects this importance: 44 dedicated freighter flights serve nine gateways, supported by 13 weekly charter services and 311 passenger flights utilising both Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. The result? An Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia approximately every 30 minutes, ferrying goods across the globe with clockwork precision.
“East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics and trade,” said Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia. “From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade.”
Fueling global trade and regional growth
The cargo carried from the region reflects its economic dynamism. In an average week, Emirates SkyCargo transports:
- Over 1,300 tonnes of eCommerce shipments
- 450 tonnes of fresh produce, seafood, and perishables
- 180 tonnes of garments
- 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- 75 tonnes of electronics, including semiconductors and smart devices
This flow of goods is enabled by the so-called “Aerial Silk Road,” a modern-day air logistics network that mirrors the historic Silk Road, linking Asia to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. With its global reach of 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo is also a key logistics player supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating connections to over 50 participating countries.
Strategic alliances for wider access
Strengthening its regional integration, Emirates SkyCargo recently formed a strategic partnership with Teleport, the logistics arm of AirAsia. This collaboration unlocks access to over 100 airports across Southeast Asia — many in secondary or tertiary markets — significantly enhancing the carrier’s flexibility and reach.
For businesses in the region, this means faster access to key markets in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, while global exporters benefit from deeper market penetration across Asia.
By expanding beyond its own fleet and tapping into strong regional networks, Emirates SkyCargo is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of trade for small, medium, and large enterprises alike.
Milestones and future outlook
Emirates SkyCargo has a long track record of innovation and pioneering routes. In September 2002, it became the first airline to launch direct freighter services between the Middle East and mainland China, flying between Dubai and Shanghai — well before passenger flights commenced.
Fast forward to 2025, the airline marked another milestone with the launch of its first scheduled freighter service to Narita International Airport in Japan. This route, the first direct cargo connection between Narita and the Middle East, caters to the export of high-value goods like pharmaceuticals, semiconductor components, and oversized machinery parts.
Looking ahead, Emirates SkyCargo’s ambitious 10-year growth strategy will continue to prioritize East and Southeast Asia, focusing on expanding routes, increasing frequency, and investing in strategic partnerships. By solidifying its presence in the region and ensuring seamless global links, the airline aims to not just meet — but anticipate and shape the future of global logistics.
