Emirates SkyCargo has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter conversion, making it the first carrier in the world to operate the type commercially. The aircraft, registered A6-EBK, flew its inaugural cargo service from Hong Kong to Dubai carrying more than 100 tonnes of freight. It is the sixth new freighter added to the Emirates SkyCargo fleet since March 2026.
Why the 777-300ERSF Changes the Capacity Equation
The converted aircraft offers a significant step up over the standard Boeing 777-F production freighter. It carries around 100 tonnes of payload across 811 cubic metres of cargo volume, which is 25 per cent more volume than the 777-F. It accommodates 47 main-deck pallet positions, ten more than the production freighter. That extra volume matters for high-growth cargo categories. E-commerce goods now account for around 20 per cent of global air cargo tonnage, and those shipments tend to be bulky and light.
The conversions are carried out by Israel Aerospace Industries under its Big Twin programme. The process installs a main-deck cargo door, reinforces the floor and removes passenger cabin systems. It extends the working life of older 777-300ER airframes rather than joining the queue for new-build production slots. Emirates plans to add one further converted aircraft by December 2026 and three more in 2027, bringing its total to five converted 777-300ERSFs.
“We are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods rapidly across the world.”
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo
Fleet Growth Drives Network Expansion Across Asia and Beyond
Emirates SkyCargo is running a dual-track fleet strategy. Alongside the converted aircraft, it continues to take delivery of new Boeing 777-F production freighters. The previous five freighters inducted since March 2026 were all 777-F builds. Together, the additions have pushed the carrier’s dedicated freighter network from just over 40 destinations in February 2026 to 62 destinations by June 2026. Its total network spans more than 140 destinations across both Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports.
Asia is a clear priority. Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 439,000 tonnes of cargo from 12 East and Southeast Asian markets in FY2025/26, roughly five per cent more than the prior year. The carrier announced plans in 2022 to double the size of its cargo business by 2028. Adding converted freighters alongside production builds gives it both the volume capacity and the scheduling flexibility to pursue that target on key long-haul lanes.
Freight forwarders moving cargo through Dubai need access to competitive rates and fast quoting on Asia-Middle East-Europe lanes. On the CSN quoting portal, you can compare multi-carrier options airport-to-airport or door-to-door, with zero subscription fees and no platform tax. Built by freight people, for freight people. Quote in minutes. Ship today.
