Emirates has become the first combination airline to place a converted Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft into commercial service, reinforcing its cargo expansion strategy and growing global freighter network.
The newly converted aircraft, registered A6-EBK, completed its inaugural commercial flight from Hong Kong to Dubai, transporting more than 100 tonnes of cargo.
The Boeing 777-300ERSF offers the same 100-tonne payload as the factory-built Boeing 777-F while providing approximately 25% greater cargo volume. The converted freighter also features 10 additional pallet positions, making it particularly well suited for lightweight, high-volume cargo such as e-commerce shipments, one of the fastest-growing segments in the air cargo market.
According to Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft enables the airline to increase cargo capacity while maximizing the value of its existing fleet.
Since March 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its freighter fleet by six aircraft, comprising five new Boeing 777-F freighters and its first converted 777-300ERSF. During the same period, the carrier has grown its dedicated freighter network from just over 40 destinations to 62 destinations, significantly enhancing its global cargo reach.
The expansion will continue through the remainder of 2026, with Emirates expecting delivery of five additional Boeing 777-F freighters and one more converted 777-300ERSF before year-end. A further three converted 777-300ERSF aircraft are scheduled to join the fleet in 2027.
The enlarged freighter fleet is expected to strengthen Emirates SkyCargo’s ability to support global trade by providing additional cargo capacity and improving connectivity between major manufacturing hubs and key international markets.
