Emirates SkyCargo recorded a 52% increase in cargo revenue during the first half of the 2026-27 financial year, despite transporting 1.2 million tonnes of cargo, down 1% compared with the same period last year.
The increase in revenue came amid reduced airfreight capacity caused by regional conflict, which also prompted shippers to seek airfreight alternatives following disruptions to maritime transport.
During the first six months, Emirates SkyCargo expanded its fleet with the delivery of five new Boeing 777 freighters and the deployment of its first passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft. The division also strengthened its global network by adding Almaty and Zhengzhou as new freighter destinations, introducing dedicated freighter services to more than 15 existing Emirates destinations and increasing frequencies across key markets, particularly in the Far East.
Meanwhile, dnata handled 1.49 million tonnes of cargo across its global operations during the first half of 2026-27, representing a 6% decrease compared with the same period last year.
Despite challenging market conditions, dnata continued to expand its global cargo capabilities through strategic investments and new customer partnerships.
In Singapore, dnata secured a cargo partnership with Silk Way Group, while its broader cargo network continued to benefit from new and expanded operations at East Midlands Airport and Zurich Airport.
The company also strengthened its cargo infrastructure through several major investments. In Dubai, dnata opened a new integrated command centre to support its growing cargo operations and commissioned a new AED 100 million (US$27 million) logistics facility at Dubai South.
Additionally, dnata announced an AU$32 million investment to develop a new cargo facility at Western Sydney International Airport, while progressing a planned AED 37 million investment in Alat, Azerbaijan.
These developments reflect the group's continued focus on expanding cargo infrastructure, strengthening its international network and enhancing operational capabilities to support evolving global airfreight demand.
