Emirates SkyCargo reports 11% growth in UK export volumes

Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 57,000 tonnes of exports from the UK across its global network during FY 2025-26, marking an 11% increase compared with FY 2024-25. Between April and June 2026, exports from the UK also grew by 7% year on year, driven by demand for aerospace products, life sciences shipments and perishables.

The cargo carrier connects eight UK gateways — Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted — to more than 140 weekly flights, providing direct access to markets across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia.

Khawla Abdulla, Vice President Cargo Commercial Europe, Emirates SkyCargo, said the strong growth in UK exports reflected the increasing importance of fast, reliable and globally connected logistics networks in supporting international trade. She added that Emirates SkyCargo continues to connect UK businesses and regional production centres with high-growth markets through its Dubai hub and specialised cargo solutions, supporting industries including life sciences, aerospace, perishables and advanced manufacturing while providing customers worldwide with access to premium British products.

Aerospace and advanced technology remained key export sectors for the carrier. Between January and June 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 570 tonnes of aircraft parts and aerospace components from the UK to Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. During the same period, its Aircraft on Ground (AOG) product for the aerospace and engineering sector recorded year-on-year growth of more than 300%.

The carrier also transported high-value technology infrastructure, including data centre equipment and server racks, from the UK to global markets. Most of these shipments originated from manufacturing and engineering clusters around Manchester and London, with the two airports serving as key export gateways.

Life sciences exports also contributed to growth. During the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 1,600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and over 26 tonnes of clinical trial medications from the UK. Newcastle continued to serve as one of the carrier's main regional gateways for pharmaceutical exports, supporting the movement of time- and temperature-sensitive products from the North East's life sciences manufacturing base.

The carrier said its GDP-certified infrastructure, modern fleet and specialised multi-tier pharmaceutical services continue to support the transport of temperature-sensitive healthcare products.

Food and perishables also remained an important export segment. During the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 1,500 tonnes of Scottish shellfish and over 1,200 tonnes of smoked salmon from the UK to international markets. Much of the seafood was shipped directly from Glasgow and Edinburgh, helping exporters reach overseas markets more quickly.

More than 1,000 tonnes of food products were transported from the UK to the UAE during the same period, equivalent to 10 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighter aircraft. These shipments included 250 tonnes of strawberries and more than 150 tonnes of cheese destined for Dubai. The carrier said its Emirates Fresh product helps protect perishable cargo throughout the supply chain.

Beyond these sectors, Emirates SkyCargo also transported premium automobiles manufactured in the UK and valuable works of art to destinations worldwide. Its Emirates Courier Express door-to-door cross-border delivery service also supported British businesses and retailers shipping fashion products, consumer goods and components to international customers.

The carrier also highlighted its wildlife conservation efforts. It recently worked with British charity Dogs 4 Wildlife to transport two conservation dogs from the UK to Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe, where they are helping rangers combat illegal poaching. Emirates is a founding signatory of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce.