In the first half of the 2024-25 financial year, Emirates SkyCargo transported 1,198,000 tonnes, marking a 16% increase year-on-year, largely driven by a surge in Chinese eCommerce volumes and rising shipments to Dubai.
The growth was supported by added capacity, including one newly delivered Boeing 777 freighter and two additional wet-leased Boeing 747Fs.
To further strengthen its cargo capabilities, Emirates has ordered 10 additional Boeing 777 freighters to bolster its future operations.
Customer demand for Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised offerings, along with its extensive freighter and bellyhold network, saw cargo yields increase by 11%.
Emirates recorded a new profit before tax high of AED 9.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion), edging out last year’s AED 9.5 billion (US$ 2.6 billion), while after-tax profit stood at AED 8.7 billion (US$ 2.4 billion).
Total revenue, including other operating income, rose 5% to AED 62.2 billion (US$ 16.9 billion), from AED 59.5 billion (US$ 16.2 billion) last year.
Direct operating costs increased 6%, primarily due to rising fuel costs, which represent 32% of Emirates’ expenses.
The airline’s EBITDA remained robust at AED 19.1 billion (US$ 5.2 billion), down slightly from AED 19.5 billion (US$ 5.3 billion) in the same period last year, reflecting the high demand for both travel and air cargo services.