Emirates SkyCargo fuels South America's export growth through expanded global connectivity

Emirates SkyCargo is deepening its commitment to South America, reinforcing the region's access to global markets through expanded freighter capacity. Since March 2026, the carrier has added seven weekly freighter services, including three flights to Buenos Aires, one to Bogotá, two additional frequencies to São Paulo and one extra service to Quito. The network expansion has translated into strong export growth across the region, with year-on-year volumes increasing by 57% in Argentina, 22% in Brazil, 18% in Colombia and 14% in Ecuador.

Perishable products remain a cornerstone of Emirates SkyCargo's South American operations. Since April 2024, the carrier has transported nearly 80,000 tonnes of perishables from the four markets, including approximately 66,000 tonnes of flowers. The volumes highlight rising global demand for dependable, temperature-controlled logistics solutions capable of preserving the quality and freshness of sensitive cargo throughout the supply chain.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, commented: “South America is a dynamic emerging hub for exports across a range of sectors including high-quality food products and fresh flowers that rely on fast and reliable air cargo connectivity to reach global customers. Since April this year, we have transported more than 22,000 tonnes of export cargo from our South American markets, a growth of 18% over the volumes carried during the same period in the previous year. By adding seven new freighter frequencies across South America in 2026 and supplementing the bellyhold capacity we provide on our passenger flights, we are driving increased exports and creating new opportunities for businesses to reach customers worldwide while ensuring their products maintain the highest standards of freshness and quality throughout transit.”

Ecuador: linking a global floriculture powerhouse to international markets

Ecuador remains Emirates SkyCargo's largest export market in South America and one of the world's leading sources of fresh flowers. To accommodate rising demand, the carrier expanded its Quito operations in May 2026 with the addition of a sixth weekly freighter service, increasing total export capacity to 600 tonnes per week. These dedicated freighter flights provide seamless connectivity via Amsterdam, offering exporters efficient access to one of the world's most important flower trading and distribution hubs.

The additional capacity has helped sustain strong export momentum. Cargo volumes from Ecuador rose 14% during the first half of FY26/27 compared with the same period a year earlier, following 11% growth between FY24/25 and FY25/26. Since April 2024, Emirates SkyCargo has transported approximately 60,000 tonnes of export cargo from the country, underscoring Ecuador's strategic importance within the carrier's global network.

Flowers account for more than 90% of all cargo uplifted by Emirates SkyCargo from Ecuador, demonstrating the essential role of air freight in connecting the country's floriculture industry with buyers across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. During FY25/26 alone, the carrier transported nearly 24,000 tonnes of flowers through its worldwide network, helping Ecuadorian growers reach key international markets with speed and reliability.

Further reinforcing its commitment to the sector, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in Expo Flor Ecuador, one of the floriculture industry's premier trade events, taking place from 6 to 8 October 2026 and bringing together growers, exporters and industry stakeholders from around the world.

Colombia: expanding global reach for flowers and fresh produce

In May 2026, Emirates SkyCargo launched a dedicated weekly freighter service to Bogotá, enhancing connectivity for Colombian exporters and providing additional main deck capacity for flowers and other perishable goods. The new service strengthens access to the carrier's global network, enabling faster and more efficient transport of time-sensitive exports to key international markets.

The added capacity has already delivered strong results, with export volumes from Colombia increasing 18% year-on-year during the first half of FY26/27, following an impressive 34% growth recorded between FY24/25 and FY25/26. Since April 2024, Emirates SkyCargo has transported nearly 14,000 tonnes of export cargo from Colombia, reflecting the country's growing importance within the carrier's South American operations.

Colombia also remains a key floriculture hub for the region. During FY25/26, Emirates SkyCargo carried more than 3,500 tonnes of flowers from the country, helping local growers connect with customers across global markets through reliable, temperature-controlled logistics and extensive international reach.

Argentina: expanded freighter services drive export growth

Emirates SkyCargo has significantly strengthened its presence in Argentina, launching weekly freighter operations to Buenos Aires in March 2026 before expanding to three weekly services by July. The additional capacity provides Argentine exporters with greater access to Emirates' extensive global network, enabling the efficient movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods to international markets.

The enhanced connectivity has translated into strong export performance, with volumes from Argentina increasing by 57% in the first half of FY26/27 compared with the previous year. This follows an 8% increase recorded between FY24/25 and FY25/26. Since April 2024, Emirates SkyCargo has transported approximately 5,000 tonnes of export cargo from Argentina, including perishables such as fresh fruit, salmon and meat products, reinforcing the carrier's role in supporting the country's export economy.

Brazil: growing capacity supports rising trade flows

To meet increasing demand from customers across Brazil, Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its São Paulo operations to four weekly freighter services, including two additional frequencies introduced in 2026. The increased capacity strengthens links between Brazil's exporters and key markets across the carrier's global network.

The network expansion has helped fuel a 22% year-on-year increase in export volumes during the first half of FY26/27, building on 11% growth achieved between FY24/25 and FY25/26. Since April 2024, Emirates SkyCargo has carried nearly 20,000 tonnes of export cargo from Brazil, facilitating the transport of a wide range of commodities and supporting the country's growing participation in international trade.

Expanding fleet and network capacity to support global trade

The expansion of Emirates SkyCargo's South American operations forms part of a broader strategy to grow both its freighter fleet and global cargo network. Since March 2026, the carrier has welcomed seven new Boeing 777 production freighters, alongside the introduction of its first Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighter, repurposed from an Emirates passenger aircraft. By the end of March 2027, Emirates SkyCargo's dedicated freighter fleet is expected to reach 23 aircraft, significantly enhancing its ability to serve key trade lanes worldwide.

The fleet growth has been matched by rapid network expansion. Emirates SkyCargo increased its portfolio of freighter destinations from just over 40 in March 2026 to more than 60 by July 2026, extending market access for customers across multiple regions. Complementing its dedicated freighter services, the carrier also leverages the extensive bellyhold capacity of Emirates' passenger network, providing high-frequency cargo connectivity across six continents.

Beyond its scheduled operations, Emirates SkyCargo works closely with customers to deliver tailored logistics solutions, including dedicated charter services designed to meet evolving supply chain requirements. This combination of expanded capacity, global reach and flexible transport solutions reinforces the carrier's position as a leading facilitator of international trade.