Tokyo: Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world's largest international airline, has launched a dedicated weekly freighter service to Narita International Airport (NRT), expanding its network of destinations served by Emirates freighters to 38. This marks the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East, providing faster and more flexible shipment options.
According to Emirates News Agency, Japan's well-established manufacturing industry has long been a priority for Emirates SkyCargo, already served by a twice-weekly freighter to Kansai International Airport (KIX). The new service to Narita will enhance cargo capacity by 100 tonnes each way, accommodating commodities such as automobile and machinery parts, semiconductor components, and pharmaceuticals.
Narita International Airport is Japan's largest air or seaport in terms of cargo value and is poised to become the region's leading cargo hub by the end of the decade, thanks to investments in the 'New Narita Airport' Development Plan. Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo's Divisional Senior Vice President, stated that expanding their dedicated freighter network is part of their 10-year strategic roadmap, facilitated by the acquisition of new Boeing 777 freighters.
Emirates SkyCargo currently operates 57 dedicated freighter flights per week across four destinations in East and Southeast Asia, supplemented by over 290 passenger flights weekly. This extensive network highlights East Asia as one of the airline's busiest regions, with plans for further expansion through additional passenger routes between Dubai and cities like Siem Reap, Da Nang, and Shenzhen.
The new freighter service, EK9413, will be effective from May 24, 2025, arriving at Narita International Airport on Saturdays at 01:00 AM UTC and departing for Dubai World Central at 03:00 AM UTC.