Emirates SkyCargo Introduces Initial Direct Cargo Flight Connection between Narita and the Middle East
**Emirates SkyCargo Launches New Dedicated Freighter Service to Narita International Airport**
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in East Asia and improve cargo transit times, Emirates SkyCargo has launched a new dedicated weekly freighter service to Narita International Airport (NRT) in Japan. This marks the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East.
The new route, which starts on 24 May 2025 and operates every Saturday, is part of Emirates' expansion of its freighter network to 38 destinations. The 100-tonne cargo capacity each way supports the transport of high-value goods including automobile parts, semiconductors, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, noted the strategic importance of the new link. "Adding Narita—a major cargo hub in Japan—to our dedicated freighter network strengthens our presence in a key gateway for both import and export traffic in East Asia," he said.
Operated by Emirates’ fleet of modern freighters, including Boeing 747-400Fs, 747-400ERFs, and 777Fs, the Narita service integrates smoothly into the airline's extensive network spanning over 100 destinations in 66 countries. This provides customers with more streamlined cargo solutions connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The new service also complements Emirates SkyCargo’s hub facilities in Dubai, known for automation and fast cargo handling, facilitating faster customs clearance and cargo transfers. This enhances the overall efficiency of shipments routed through Narita and Dubai hubs.
This move reinforces Emirates SkyCargo's commitment to Japan, a long-standing priority market. Emirates currently operates two weekly freighters to Kansai International Airport and provides bellyhold capacity on daily passenger flights to Tokyo.
Japan's manufacturing sector, a critical hub for global trade, will particularly benefit from this new service. Narita International Airport is undergoing major development to become the leading cargo hub in the region by the end of the decade. The addition of Narita strengthens Emirates' East and Southeast Asia footprint, supporting the transport of high-value goods and leveraging the growing demand for air freight capacity driven by e-commerce, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors in the region.
This strategic network expansion is in line with Emirates SkyCargo's 10-year strategic roadmap, which aims at boosting global reach and capacity. The launch of the dedicated weekly freighter service to Narita coincides with the arrival of Emirates' next-generation Boeing 777 freighters. Flight EK9413 will arrive at Narita at 01:00 AM UTC and depart for Dubai World Central at 03:00 AM UTC.
In summary, Emirates SkyCargo’s introduction of the weekly freighter service to Narita International Airport is a strategic move to strengthen its connectivity in East Asia, improve cargo transit times, and support the rising demand for reliable air freight services in the region. It bolsters Emirates’ reputation as a leading global cargo carrier and expands its competitive advantage within the Asia-Middle East corridor.
- The new weekly freighter service to Narita International Airport by Emirates SkyCargo supports the transport of high-value goods such as automobile parts, semiconductors, machinery, and pharmaceuticals, contributing to the trade and finance sectors.
- The expansion of Emirates' freighter network to 38 destinations, including Narita, integrates seamlessly into their extensive network spanning over 100 destinations in 66 countries, thereby offering customers more streamlined technology solutions connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
- With Narita International Airport undergoing major development to become the leading cargo hub in the region by the end of the decade, the addition of Narita to Emirates' dedicated freighter network strengthens their presence in East Asia, providing a boost to the aerospace industry and supporting the growing demand for air freight capacity driven by e-commerce, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors in the region.
