Emirates SkyCargo boosts air freight for exporters in the Philippines

“East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade. From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.” ~Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia

With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo, the world's largest international airline's cargo subsidiary, now offers more than 21,000 tons of cargo capacity weekly to and from East and Southeast Asia. Emirates SkyCargo now has the most extensive and diverse route network of any non-Asian airline, with 25 gateways spread over 12 countries and territories. This helps Philippine businesses interact with customers and suppliers worldwide.

With their thriving economies, East and Southeast Asia, frequently known as the "factory of the world," rely heavily on air freight capacity to move goods around the globe. Emirates SkyCargo provides service to nine gateways in the region with 44 weekly specialized cargo aircraft. This schedule is supplemented by 13 weekly charter services to and from East Asia, providing consistent capacity and reliable connection for Asian businesses conducting business with Europe and the Middle East.   In support of freighter and charter operations, 311 weekly passenger flights—a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s—transport both passengers and cargo.

With this high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia about every 30 minutes. 

Fostering Philippine Economic Growth 

East and Southeast Asia have long been significant markets for Emirates SkyCargo's global network, with a thriving agricultural industry and a reputation as a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and innovative manufacturing. 

In the Philippines, Emirates SkyCargo promotes exports in several key sectors, including electronics, clothing, fresh produce (including seafood and tropical fruits), pharmaceuticals, and the quickly growing e-commerce shipments.   All cargo is efficiently transported to and from the country in the bellyhold of 32 weekly passenger aircraft, providing essential capacity and providing businesses with reliable and rapid access to global markets.  

In 2024–2025, Emirates SkyCargo hoisted more than 14,395 tonnes of cargo from the Philippines.

The "Aerial Silk Road," a system of air routes, logistics hubs, and aviation infrastructure that is modeled after the old overland and maritime Silk Roads, enables quick and efficient access to global markets.   Emirates SkyCargo's vast network of over 145 destinations puts them in a prime position to facilitate international trade.   In fact, by offering reliable and fast connectivity to more than 50 participating countries, Emirates SkyCargo makes a substantial contribution to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Expanding Reach and Setting Industry Milestones 

To further expand trade via Dubai between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Teleport, AirAsia's only cargo partner, in addition to its own extensive network.   By using the more than 100 airports in the region, exporters can expand their capacity, flexibility, and market reach thanks to this arrangement.   It also improves relations between Southeast Asia and Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Since it began operating in East Asia, Emirates has set important industry norms.   When Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter flights between Dubai and Shanghai in September 2002, eighteen months before passenger operations, it created the first direct air link between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland.   In keeping with this leadership, Emirates SkyCargo began offering a weekly freighter service between the Middle East and Japan's Narita International Airport in 2025, marking the first scheduled freighter service on this route.   Large or uncommon items, such as industrial parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor components are all transported on this trip. 

As Emirates proceeds with its 10-year growth strategy, the Philippines and other East and Southeast Asian nations remain priority markets.   The airline will increase its fleet and provide additional flights to meet growing demand and enhance connectivity, strengthening global supply chains and supporting economic growth.