Emirates SkyCargo is expected to announce in the coming weeks the purchase of new-generation freighters for its fleet. The Gulf carrier is reportedly deciding between the Airbus A350F or the Boeing 777-8F, which are expected to enter service between 2027 and 2028.
A traditional buyer of Boeing freighters – it has ordered 10 777-200F units with deliveries scheduled to take place by 2026 – Emirates may surprise and opt for the A350 cargo aircraft.
Airbus is favored by the imminent entry into service of the A350-900, the first of 65 units of which is due to be delivered later this year.
This would allow the company to take advantage of the entire US$48 million investment made in simulators for the A350, which have already trained 30 pilots this year.
At the same time, Emirates has 205 orders for the 777X in the 777-9 and 777-8 passenger versions. However, the repeated delays in the program could weigh against Boeing.
Possible order for the 777F
Amid the rumors, information also emerged that Emirates had closed a new order for the 777F, a model that will cease production in 2027.
Boeing revealed 11 orders for the aircraft in the September data, but without identifying the customers. According to Reuters, some of these planes will be delivered to Emirates.
It is worth remembering that, in addition to the 10 777Fs on order, the airline confirmed in June that it is following a plan by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert 10 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters, despite production delays.
