Emirates SkyCargo has added seven weekly freighter flights to South America in 2026, increasing cargo capacity across four major markets as export volumes continue to grow.
The expansion includes three additional weekly flights to Buenos Aires, two to São Paulo, one to Bogotá and one to Quito.
The carrier reported double-digit year-on-year growth in export volumes across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador during the first half of its 2026/27 financial year.
Since April 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has transported more than 22,000 tonnes of export cargo from these markets, representing an 18% increase compared with the same period last year.
Argentina leads export growth
Argentina recorded the strongest increase, with Emirates SkyCargo’s export volumes rising 57% year-on-year during the first half of FY26/27.
The carrier launched weekly freighter operations to Buenos Aires in March 2026. It subsequently increased the service to three weekly flights in July.
Meanwhile, Brazil recorded a 22% increase in export volumes. Emirates SkyCargo now operates four weekly freighter services from São Paulo, including two frequencies added this year.
Colombia also reported growth, with cargo volumes increasing 18% year-on-year. The carrier introduced a weekly freighter service to Bogotá in May, expanding capacity for flowers and other perishable products.
Ecuador remains largest South American export market
Ecuador continues to be Emirates SkyCargo’s largest export market in South America.
The airline added a sixth weekly freighter service from Quito in May 2026, bringing its total weekly export capacity to 600 tonnes.
As a result, export volumes from Ecuador increased 14% during the first half of FY26/27.
Flowers account for more than 90% of the carrier’s export cargo from Ecuador. During FY25/26, Emirates SkyCargo transported nearly 24,000 tonnes of flowers from the country.
Since April 2024, the airline has carried close to 80,000 tonnes of perishables from its four South American markets, including 66,000 tonnes of fresh flowers.
Freighter fleet expansion supports growing network
The South American expansion forms part of Emirates SkyCargo’s wider investment in its freighter fleet and international network.
Since March 2026, the carrier has received seven Boeing 777 production freighters and its first converted Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft.
It expects to operate 23 dedicated freighter aircraft by the end of March 2027.
Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo expanded its global freighter network from just over 40 destinations in March 2026 to more than 60 by July.
The increased capacity supports exports of fresh produce, flowers and other goods that require reliable international air freight connections.
