Emirates SkyCargo boosts UK exports by 11% as demand rises for aerospace, pharmaceuticals and premium food products

Dubai/London: Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 57,000 tonnes of exports from the UK across its global network during FY2025-26, marking an 11% increase compared with the previous financial year and underscoring growing international demand for British products. The cargo division of Emirates also reported a 7% increase in UK exports between April and June 2026 compared with the same period last year, supported by growth in key sectors including aerospace, life sciences and perishables. Khawla Abdulla, Vice President Cargo Commercial Europe at Emirates SkyCargo, said the growth highlights the importance of reliable and globally connected logistics networks in facilitating international trade. "The strong growth in exports from the UK reflects the increasing importance of fast, reliable and globally connected logistics networks in enabling international trade," she said. "By bridging the UK's regional production centres directly to our expanding global network via our hub in Dubai and through our specialised cargo solutions, we continue to strengthen the flow of trade supporting industries ranging from life sciences and aerospace to perishables and advanced manufacturing." Emirates SkyCargo currently provides cargo connectivity through more than 140 weekly flights from eight UK gateways: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted. Aerospace exports soar The UK continues to play a leading role in aerospace innovation, and Emirates SkyCargo has seen strong growth in the movement of aviation components. Between January and June 2026, the carrier transported more than 570 tonnes of aircraft parts and aerospace components from the UK to destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. Its specialised Aircraft on Ground (AOG) logistics service recorded growth of more than 300% year-on-year during the period, reflecting increased demand for rapid transportation of critical aviation equipment. The carrier also handled high-value technology infrastructure, including data centre equipment and server racks, primarily exported through manufacturing and engineering hubs around Manchester and London. Strong demand for pharmaceuticals The life sciences sector remains another major contributor to export growth. During the first six months of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 1,600 tonnes of pharmaceutical products from the UK, including medicines, biologics and healthcare products. The carrier also handled more than 26 tonnes of clinical trial medications during the same period. Newcastle continues to serve as a key regional gateway for pharmaceutical exports, supporting life sciences manufacturers in northeast England through time- and temperature-sensitive logistics services. British food exports remain in demand The carrier also recorded strong demand for British food and agricultural products. During the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo facilitated the export of more than 1,500 tonnes of Scottish shellfish and over 1,200 tonnes of smoked salmon to international markets. Glasgow and Edinburgh played a crucial role in supporting seafood exports, helping producers reach overseas markets more quickly and maintain product freshness. The UAE remained a key destination for British food products, with more than 1,000 tonnes of food exports transported from the UK to the UAE during the period, equivalent to approximately 10 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighter flights. Among the products shipped to Dubai were 250 tonnes of strawberries and more than 150 tonnes of cheese. Supporting wider industries Beyond aerospace, healthcare and food exports, Emirates SkyCargo also transported premium British-built automobiles, high-value technology equipment and works of art destined for museums and private collections around the world. The company's Emirates Courier Express service is also helping UK fashion retailers, manufacturers and consumer goods businesses reach international customers through cross-border delivery solutions. Commitment to wildlife protection Alongside commercial cargo operations, Emirates SkyCargo highlighted its continued support for wildlife conservation initiatives. The carrier recently partnered with British charity Dogs 4 Wildlife to transport two specially trained conservation dogs from the UK to Zimbabwe's Matusadona National Park, where they are assisting rangers in efforts to combat illegal poaching. Emirates is a founding signatory of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. Fleet expansion Emirates SkyCargo said it is continuing to expand its fleet to meet growing demand for air cargo services. Since March 2026, the carrier has taken delivery of 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 before the end of