Emirates SkyCargo has reported a significant boost in UK exports, transporting over 57,000 tonnes of goods globally during the fiscal year 2025-26. This marks an 11% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing international demand for British products.
UK Exports Surge
The cargo division of Emirates revealed a 7% rise in UK exports between April and June 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth has been driven by key sectors, including aerospace, life sciences, and perishables.
Khawla Abdulla, Vice President Cargo Commercial Europe at Emirates SkyCargo, emphasized the critical role of efficient and globally connected logistics networks in facilitating international trade. “The robust growth in UK exports underscores the pivotal importance of fast, reliable logistics in enabling international commerce,” she stated.
Aerospace Sector Takes Flight
The UK remains a leader in aerospace innovation, and Emirates SkyCargo has observed substantial growth in the transportation of aviation components. Between January and June 2026, the carrier moved over 570 tonnes of aircraft parts from the UK to destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.
Emirates SkyCargo’s specialized Aircraft on Ground (AOG) service witnessed more than a 300% year-on-year increase, driven by heightened demand for rapid transport of critical aviation equipment. The carrier also managed high-value technology infrastructure exports, primarily from manufacturing hubs in Manchester and London.
Pharmaceutical Export Growth
The life sciences sector continues to be a major contributor to UK export growth. During the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 1,600 tonnes of pharmaceutical products, including medicines and healthcare items, from the UK.
Newcastle has emerged as a key regional hub for pharmaceutical exports, providing time- and temperature-sensitive logistics services to support the life sciences industry in northeast England.
Demand for Premium Food Products
Emirates SkyCargo has also reported strong demand for British food and agricultural products. In the first half of 2026, the carrier facilitated the export of over 1,500 tonnes of Scottish shellfish and more than 1,200 tonnes of smoked salmon to international markets.
Glasgow and Edinburgh have played crucial roles in supporting seafood exports, ensuring producers can reach overseas markets swiftly while maintaining product freshness. The UAE remains a key destination for British food products, with over 1,000 tonnes of food exports transported to the UAE during the period.
Expanding Beyond Core Sectors
Beyond aerospace, healthcare, and food exports, Emirates SkyCargo has been instrumental in transporting premium British-built automobiles, high-value technology equipment, and works of art intended for museums and private collections worldwide.
The company’s Emirates Courier Express service is aiding UK fashion retailers and consumer goods businesses in reaching international customers through efficient cross-border delivery solutions.
Support for Wildlife Conservation
In addition to its commercial operations, Emirates SkyCargo actively supports wildlife conservation initiatives. The carrier recently partnered with the British charity Dogs 4 Wildlife, transporting two specially trained conservation dogs to Zimbabwe to assist rangers in combating illegal poaching.
Emirates is a founding signatory of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, highlighting its commitment to wildlife protection.
Fleet Expansion to Meet Demand
To accommodate the growing demand for air cargo services, Emirates SkyCargo continues to expand its fleet. Since March 2026, the carrier has added six new Boeing 777-F freighters and its first Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighter. Four additional Boeing 777-F aircraft and a second converted freighter are scheduled to join the fleet later this year.
