In the Philippines, a nation of bustling ports and rich farmlands, a new kind of gateway is opening for exporters. Thanks to a massive expansion in air cargo capacity, businesses are now seamlessly connecting with international markets, turning global trade from an ambition into an everyday reality.
Leading this charge is Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, which is providing an indispensable link for the Philippine economy. By leveraging one of the world’s most extensive air networks, it is ensuring that local products—from cutting-edge electronics and fashionable garments to fresh tropical fruit and seafood—reach shelves and consumers across the globe with speed and reliability.
Unmatched Capacity and Frequency
The scale of operations is staggering. Emirates SkyCargo provides over 21,000 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity across East and Southeast Asia through a powerful combination of 44 freighters, 13 charter flights, and 311 passenger flights. This network connects 25 gateways in 12 countries and territories, making Emirates the leading non-Asian cargo carrier in the region.
The frequency is just as impressive: an Emirates aircraft takes off from an East or Southeast Asian airport approximately every 30 minutes, ensuring consistent and reliable capacity for time-sensitive shipments.
According to Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia, the strategic focus on the region is clear: “East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics and trade. We are laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.”
A Direct Lifeline for Philippine Exports
For Filipino exporters, this global network translates into direct opportunity. A dedicated schedule of 32 weekly passenger flights out of Manila carries the nation’s key exports in their bellyholds. This includes:
- High-value goods: Electronics, garments, and pharmaceuticals.
- Perishables: Temperature-sensitive tropical fruits (mangoes, bananas, pineapples) and fresh seafood.
- E-commerce: The fast-growing stream of international parcels.
This capacity is more than a convenience—it’s a critical lifeline. In the recent period from 2024 to 2025, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted over 14,395 tonnes of goods from the Philippines, providing local businesses with the reliable access they need to compete on the world stage.
Weaving a Modern Trade Network
Emirates SkyCargo is building more than just routes; it’s crafting a modern ‘Aerial Silk Road’. This vast web of over 145 global destinations acts as a key facilitator of international commerce, offering a swift and efficient aerial alternative to traditional supply chains.
The carrier also plays a supportive role in major trade initiatives like China’s Belt and Road, providing air connectivity to over 50 participating countries.
Expanding Reach Through Partnership and Innovation
To further deepen its reach, Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Teleport, the cargo arm of AirAsia. This collaboration gives Philippine exporters access to over 100 additional airports in Southeast Asia, creating new market opportunities and improving connections to key regions like Europe and North America.
This strategy is rooted in a history of innovation. The carrier pioneered the first direct freighter link between the Middle East and mainland China in 2002 and continues to set industry benchmarks, such as launching the first scheduled freighter service between Japan’s Narita Airport and the Middle East in 2025.
As Emirates continues its long-term growth strategy, the Philippines remains a priority market. With plans to add more flights and routes, Emirates SkyCargo is poised to remain a powerful engine for Philippine export growth, ensuring that local businesses have a clear and efficient runway to the world.#
