FE Report

Emirates Airline recently unveiled plans to grow the number of flights across its network by 14 per cent in 2009, increasing cargo capacity by 17 per cent, said a press release.

In the next 12 months, Emirates SkyCargo will take delivery of two new state-of-the-art Boeing 777 freighters, the largest twin-engine aircraft in the world. They will have a maximum payload of 103 tonnes.

In addition, 18 new wide-bodied passenger aircrafts will be added to the Emirates fleet, enabling Emirates SkyCargo to increase frequencies and capacity on many existing routes.

Emirates currently has a fleet of 129-wide-bodied aircraft, including eight freighters.

By the end of the fiscal 2008-09 (ended on March 31, 2009), that figure will stand at 132, including one Boeing 777 freighter. The carrier will welcome another Boeing 777 freighter in the fiscal 2009-10.