Photo: Emirates Emirates SkyCargo has reported strong growth in British exports, transporting more than 57,000 tonnes of cargo from the UK during the 2025-26 financial year, an 11% increase compared with the previous year. The carrier also recorded a 7% rise in exports between April and June 2026, reflecting continued demand for British products across global markets.
Strawberry desserts. Photo: EmiratesThe freight division of Emirates is supporting a wide range of industries, carrying everything from aerospace components and pharmaceuticals to fresh seafood, strawberries and premium British food products to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia.
Photo: EmiratesKhawla Abdulla, Vice President Cargo Commercial Europe at Emirates SkyCargo, said the growth highlights the importance of reliable global logistics in supporting international trade. She noted that the airline connects UK businesses directly to fast-growing markets through its Dubai hub and specialized cargo solutions, helping industries including life sciences, aerospace, perishables and advanced manufacturing reach customers around the world.
Emirates SkyCargo currently operates more than 140 weekly flights from eight UK gateways, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted.
Photo: EmiratesThe UK continues to be a major exporter of aerospace products, and Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 570 tonnes of aircraft parts and aerospace components between January and June 2026. Shipments were destined for Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Demand for the airline's Aircraft on Ground logistics service also surged, with AOG shipments increasing by more than 300 percent year over year during the first six months of 2026. The carrier also handled high-value technology equipment, including data center infrastructure and server racks, primarily originating from manufacturing hubs around Manchester and London.
The carrier transported more than 1,600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals from the UK during the first half of 2026, alongside 26 tonnes of clinical trial medications. Newcastle continues to serve as a key gateway for pharmaceutical exports thanks to its strong life sciences sector.
Emirates SkyCargo supports the industry through GDP-certified facilities, a modern fleet and specialized temperature-controlled logistics designed for sensitive medical products.
Fresh food exports also remained a major contributor to growth. During the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 1,500 tonnes of Scottish shellfish, over 1,200 tonnes of smoked salmon, 250 tonnes of strawberries, and more than 150 tonnes of British cheese.
More than 1,000 tonnes of food products were flown from the UK to the UAE alone, equivalent to the capacity of 10 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighter aircraft. The airline's Emirates Fresh service helps preserve the quality of seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables throughout the journey.
Beyond traditional cargo, Emirates SkyCargo also transported luxury automobiles, valuable artwork and consumer goods, while its Emirates Courier Express service continues supporting British retailers with international deliveries.
Emirates SkyCargo partners with UK Charity for wildlife protection - Kuda. Photoz: EmiratesThe airline also highlighted its conservation efforts, recently transporting two specially trained Dogs 4 Wildlife conservation dogs from the UK to Zimbabwe's Matusadona National Park, where they assist rangers in combating illegal poaching.