Emirates SkyCargo Expands Cargo Network Across East Asia

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates airline, is growing its cargo network in East and Southeast Asia, now offering more than 21,000 tonnes of weekly capacity to move goods between the region and the world. This expansion comes with the start of passenger flights to Hangzhou, China, adding to the airline’s 25 cargo gateways in 12 countries and territories across the region.

Known as the “factory of the world,” East and Southeast Asia produce and export everything from electronics to fresh food, requiring huge air freight capacity. Emirates SkyCargo runs dedicated freighter flights to nine key gateways in the region, with 44 weekly flights — the highest in its network. This is supported by 13 weekly charter services and over 300 passenger flights carrying both travelers and cargo, with planes leaving the region roughly every 30 minutes.

Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial for Far East and Australasia, said East Asia is a major driver of global trade and innovation. Emirates is focused on expanding routes, building partnerships, and increasing capacity to meet growing demand.

Every week, Emirates SkyCargo moves over 450 tonnes of fresh produce, 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals, 75 tonnes of electronics, 180 tonnes of clothing, and more than 1,300 tonnes of e-commerce orders. This vast flow of goods supports what the company calls the “Aerial Silk Road,” linking Asia’s industries with over 145 destinations worldwide.

The airline also plays a role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative by connecting goods to over 50 participating countries quickly and reliably.

To strengthen its reach, Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Teleport, AirAsia’s cargo arm, opening access to over 100 airports across Southeast Asia. This allows more goods to flow between Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Emirates has a history of firsts in the region – in 2002, it was the first to offer direct cargo flights between Dubai and mainland China. In 2025, it launched a weekly freighter service to Narita International Airport in Japan, the first scheduled cargo link between Narita and the Middle East.

As part of its 10-year growth plan, Emirates SkyCargo plans to keep East Asia a top priority with more flights and new routes. The aim is to keep global supply chains strong, boost trade between regions, and help shape the future of air cargo.