Emirates SkyCargo expands US reach through Pelicargo platform
The carrier aims to broaden access to its network among freight forwarders in the US market and offer customers round-the-clock booking capabilities.
Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its digital booking presence by integrating its cargo products and services with Pelicargo, an online airfreight procurement and booking platform with a strong customer base in the United States. The move also makes Emirates SkyCargo the first Middle Eastern carrier to establish API connectivity with Pelicargo, enabling freight forwarders to make immediate bookings through the platform.
The integration comes as Emirates SkyCargo records increasing adoption of digital booking channels among customers in the United States. Over the past 12 months, the carrier said it has seen more customers shift toward digital tools such as eSkyCargo and third-party booking marketplaces, while manual transactions have declined.
By joining Pelicargo, Emirates SkyCargo aims to broaden access to its network among freight forwarders in the US market and offer customers round-the-clock booking capabilities. The integration also gives users greater visibility into schedules, rates and available capacity through a digital interface.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “The digital solutions that we have deployed globally have made a huge impact on the way we operate – from faster exchanges of critical information to more streamlined bookings. Onboarding to Pelicargo’s intuitive platform is the next step in our strategy, enabling us to better connect with both new and existing customers in the United States. As we enter our next phase of growth, digitalisation will continue to underpin our operations with the goal to provide flexible, efficient solutions to our global customers.”
Jon Acquaviva, Co-Founder & President, Pelicargo, said: “For us, it’s a natural fit — Emirates SkyCargo has built a reputation for excellence and forward-thinking innovation that aligns perfectly with our mission. We share a common vision: putting customers at the centre and delivering locally relevant, digitally connected solutions that make air cargo faster and more accessible. We’re proud to partner with such an iconic and innovative carrier to help customers across the U.S. and beyond connect instantly with Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class network.”
The products now available through Pelicargo include Emirates SkyCargo’s Fresh and Fresh Breathe solutions for perishables, Pharma services for temperature-controlled healthcare and life sciences cargo, Airfreight Priority for time-sensitive shipments and AirFreight services for general cargo movements.
The latest partnership expands Emirates SkyCargo’s presence across digital booking ecosystems. Pelicargo becomes the fourth digital marketplace to host the carrier’s cargo capacity, following integrations with cargo.one, CargoAi and WebCargo. The airline said the broader marketplace strategy is designed to ensure customers can access Emirates SkyCargo’s network through their preferred booking channels while benefiting from real-time booking and pricing visibility.
