Emirates SkyCargo remains committed to converting 10 of its 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters, despite experiencing production delays. The conversion project, carried out by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has faced setbacks, but the airline maintains confidence in the program.
The 10 Emirates-owned aircraft scheduled for conversion were absent from the recently published Emirates’ 2023-2024 financial year report. Earlier this year, Emirates SkyCargo acknowledged delays and projected that the aircraft would not be operational before late 2024 or 2025.
“Despite the technical delays our partner is currently experiencing with the freighter conversions, we remain confident in the programme,” an Emirates spokesperson told Air Cargo News (ACN). The spokesperson highlighted the operational advantages of the converted freighters, particularly their larger and more flexible capacity suited for high-volume lanes and e-commerce shipments.
Yaacov Berkovitz, vice president and general manager of conversion and upgrades at IAI, explained that the certification testing for the prototype is nearing completion, but delays in the certification process have affected testing timelines. “Everything is okay, we are waiting for the FAA,” said Berkovitz, who expects certification by the end of the second quarter or early in the third quarter.
Emirates SkyCargo initially announced its investment in 777-300ER conversions with IAI in 2021, starting with an agreement for four conversions to be completed in 2024, which was later expanded to 10. IAI has yet to confirm when the first converted aircraft will be delivered.
As of the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year, Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter fleet consists of 11 Boeing 777Fs. The carrier is also expecting the delivery of four 777-200Fs this year and one in 2025. To meet current demand, Emirates has three Boeing 747Fs on wet-lease.
While some airlines have reduced their freighter conversion plans, Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in expanding its fleet. For instance, Air Canada and Cargojet have both scaled back their conversion plans, and Mesa Airlines has ceased providing air cargo services for DHL. Despite these trends, Emirates SkyCargo is positioned to leverage its expanded fleet to support evolving customer needs and rising air cargo demand.