Emirates SkyCargo operates first Boeing 777-300ER mini-freighter to Prague

Emirates SkyCargo, the airfreight division of Emirates, deployed its first Boeing 777-300ER mini-freighter to Prague last week. Organised by DB Schenker/Schenker Flight Services GmbH, the special flight carried vital commodities from Vietnam to the Czech Republic. 

Emirates flight EK 2553, departed Ho Chi Minh City with a short layover in Dubai, and landed in Prague on April 6 at 11:49 local time. The mini-freighter – a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with seats removed from Economy Class to make more room for transporting cargo – carried 55 tonnes of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies to the country.

Emirates SkyCargo continues to play a vital role in transporting medical supplies and relief items across international markets. The air cargo carrier was one of the first carriers in the world to introduce cargo only flights on passenger aircraft. Emirates SkyCargo currently has 16 Boeing 777-300ER mini-freighters for cargo operations.

Since March 2020, Emirates SkyCargo has operated more than 27,800 cargo only flights on passenger aircraft during the last year. These flights have helped transport more than 100,000 tonnes of essential supplies including PPE, COVID-19 testing kits, ventilators, pharmaceuticals, vaccines and food. This is the equivalent of cargo carried over 1000 full flights on the Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.

Emirates SkyCargo has been leading the global air cargo industry’s response for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The air cargo carrier has set up a dedicated GDP certified airside hub in Dubai for COVID-19 vaccines and has also partnered with leading Dubai based entities and with UNICEF for the rapid transport of COVID-19 vaccines to developing nations through Dubai. Emirates SkyCargo’s passenger freighters have also played a key role in the transport of COVID-19 vaccines.