Emirates rolls out enhanced air cargo service for data center operators

Middle East airline Emirates has launched a specialized air cargo service targeted at cloud computing firms and suppliers with time-sensitive AI products, a response to heightened demand driven by the rapid growth of data centers. This new service includes priority loading, careful handling to prevent equipment damage, and real-time tracking of shipments between airports.

Emphasis is placed on server racks, semiconductors, graphics processing units, and other critical hardware. The airline's activation of this service comes amid the significant rise in AI-related goods, which have become a key growth driver in global trade. Air cargo traffic, including electronics and server farm equipment, has grown 5% to 6% year-to-date despite a 5% to 6% decline in e-commerce shipments.

Large-scale technology shipments often involve high-value cargo, tight deadlines, and unique handling needs, with much of the traffic concentrated in Asia, between suppliers and manufacturers, and from Asia to other regions. In July alone, Emirates SkyCargo moved over 700 metric tons of AI infrastructure across its global network.

The airline operates 19 Boeing 777-200 freighters and one 777-300 freighter, with plans to convert 23 additional Boeing 777 passenger aircraft into cargo jets by March. Emirates SkyCargo also handles cargo in the cargo holds of its passenger aircraft, but its dedicated freighters are better suited to transport tall and heavy server racks, which can weigh more than 3.8 tons.