With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, now offers more than 21,000 tonnes of cargo capacity each week to and from East and Southeast Asia. 
Operating the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline, Emirates SkyCargo now serves 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories, helping connect businesses in the Philippines with customers and suppliers worldwide.
Known as the “factory of the world,” East and Southeast Asia have thriving economies that require substantial air freight capacity to move goods globally. Emirates SkyCargo serves nine gateways in the region with 44 dedicated freighter flights weekly. This schedule is complemented by 13 weekly charter services to and from East Asia, providing consistent capacity and reliable connectivity for Asian businesses trading with Europe and the Middle East. Freighter and charter operations are supported by 311 weekly passenger flights, carrying travelers and cargo on a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
With this high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia about every 30 minutes.
“East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade,” said Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia. “From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.”
Fostering Philippine Economic Growth
As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, and with a thriving agricultural sector, East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets on Emirates SkyCargo’s global network.
In the Philippines, Emirates SkyCargo supports exports in key sectors including electronics, garments, fresh produce such as tropical fruits and seafood, pharmaceuticals, and fast-growing e-commerce parcels. All cargo to and from the country is efficiently transported in the bellyhold of 32 weekly passenger flights, providing critical capacity and providing businesses with fast and reliable access to global markets.
From 2024 to 2025, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted over 14,395 tonnes of goods from the Philippines.
The ‘Aerial Silk Road’ – a network of air routes, logistics hubs and aviation infrastructure mirroring the overland and maritime Silk Roads of yore – enables swift and efficient connectivity with global markets. With a vast network of over 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo is well positioned to facilitate global trade. In fact, Emirates SkyCargo plays a significant support role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating swift and reliable connectivity to over 50 countries participating in the initiative.
Expanding Reach and Setting Industry Milestones
Beyond its own extensive network, Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, to support growing trade between Southeast Asia and the world via Dubai. This partnership unlocks access to over 100 airports in the region, providing greater capacity, flexibility, and new market opportunities for exporters. At the same time, it improves connections from Southeast Asia to Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
Since beginning operations in East Asia, Emirates has set important industry benchmarks. In September 2002, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai, establishing the first direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland, and pre-dating passenger operations by 18 months. Continuing this leadership, Emirates SkyCargo started a weekly freighter flight in 2025 between Japan’s Narita International Airport and the Middle East, the first scheduled freighter service on this route. This flight carries pharmaceuticals, semiconductor parts, and large or unusual shipments such as machinery components.
As Emirates advances its 10-year growth plan, East and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, remain priority markets. The airline will add flights and new routes to meet growing demand and deepen connectivity, continuing to strengthen global supply chains and support economic growth.
