Emirates SkyCargo has placed its first Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighter into commercial service, adding the passenger-to-freighter variant developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to its cargo fleet.
The aircraft entered service on a flight from Hong Kong to Dubai carrying more than 100 tonnes of cargo. Emirates becomes the first combination carrier to operate the 777-300ERSF, although all-cargo operator Kalitta Air introduced the type into commercial service last year.
The 777-300ERSF is converted from retired Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft. Despite offering 811 cubic meters of cargo volume—about 25% more than the Boeing 777F—it carries a slightly lower maximum payload of 100 tonnes, compared with 102 tonnes for the factory-built freighter. The converted aircraft accommodates 47 pallet positions, 10 more than the 777F, making it well suited to low-density shipments such as e-commerce cargo.
The aircraft is the sixth freighter to join Emirates SkyCargo since March, after the delivery of five new Boeing 777F aircraft. The airline expects another five factory-built 777Fs and one additional 777-300ERSF by the end of 2026, followed by three more converted aircraft during 2027.
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Emirates already operates one of the world's largest Boeing 777F fleets. The addition of converted 777-300ER freighters gives the airline another option for routes where cargo volume is more important than maximum payload.
Israel Aerospace Industries launched the 777-300ERSF program to extend the service life of passenger 777-300ER aircraft. The conversion includes a large main-deck cargo door, a reinforced cargo floor and a Class E main-deck cargo compartment while preserving the aircraft's original wings, engines and cockpit.
Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its dedicated freighter network from just over 40 destinations earlier this year to 62 destinations today.
