Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has reported strong growth in the movement of critical aerospace shipments from the UK, as global demand for British-manufactured aircraft parts and engineering expertise continues to thrive.
Between January and June 2026, the cargo carrier transported close to 500 tonnes of aircraft parts and aerospace components from the UK to markets across Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. Its specialist Aircraft on Ground service, designed to move time-critical parts for urgent aviation requirements, grew by more than 300% year-on-year between April and June 2026.
The growth forms part of a strong 11% year-on-year surge in UK exports carried by Emirates SkyCargo, which transported more than 57,000 tonnes of British goods during the year ending March 2026.
The UK is home to some of the world’s most innovative manufacturers, producers and exporters, and Emirates SkyCargo is proud to help connect these businesses with customers across the globe.
Ross Barnett, UK Cargo Manager, Emirates SkyCargo
Aerospace and advanced technology
One of the global leaders in the aerospace industry, the UK remains at the forefront of driving new technologies and innovations. Between January and June 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has transported over 570 tonnes of aircraft parts and aerospace components from the UK to Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Beyond aerospace, Emirates SkyCargo has transported high-value technology infrastructure, including data centre equipment and server racks from the UK to global markets.
The majority of high-tech equipment and aerospace components transported by Emirates SkyCargo originate from manufacturing and engineering clusters around Manchester and London, with these airports serving as key gateways linking these products directly to international markets.
Life sciences
In the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 1600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals on its aircraft from the UK. The carrier also carried more than 26 tonnes of clinical trial medications from the market.
Newcastle is among the carrier’s key regional gateways for pharmaceutical exports, serving a major life sciences manufacturing base in the North East and enabling time and temperature sensitive products to connect rapidly with markets worldwide.
Food and perishables
Over the first half of 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has been a key enabler of exports for British farms and food producers. The carrier facilitated the exports of specialty food from the UK, including more than 1,500 tonnes of Scottish Shellfish as well as over 1,200 tonnes of smoked salmon to international markets around the world.
Much of the Scottish seafood transported by Emirates SkyCargo is shipped directly from Glasgow and Edinburgh, enabling exporters to reach international markets faster and helping premium products arrive fresher to consumers around the world.
Over 1000 tonnes of food items were flown from the UK to the UAE during this period- the equivalent of ten fully loaded B777 freighter aircraft. 250 tonnes of strawberries and more than 150 tonnes of cheese were among some of the food items flown to Dubai.
Supporting other verticals
In addition to the above verticals, Emirates SkyCargo also facilitated movement of premium automobiles manufactured in the UK and precious works of art to museums and collections around the world.
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