Emirates SkyCargo Launches New Freighter Service Connecting Milan to New York

Emirates SkyCargo has announced the launch of a new weekly freighter service connecting Milan to New York City, starting December 5, 2026. The service aims to provide direct trade connectivity for exporters from Italy, particularly the Lombardy region, to the United States. This new freighter service will offer around 100 tons of capacity per flight, operated by Emirates SkyCargo's Boeing 777-F aircraft.

The new freighter service will enable businesses in the US, particularly in the greater New York region, to have more export connectivity to markets in the Middle East and Asia via Dubai. Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, stated that the new freighter service adds important maindeck capacity on a vital trade corridor, offering exporters greater access, flexibility, and reliability when serving customers in the United States.

The launch of the new freighter service is driven by growing demand for export capacity from Northern Italy and the Lombardy region to partner markets. Exports from Milan carried by Emirates SkyCargo grew 13 percent in FY 2025/26 compared to the previous year. The new service will create faster and more efficient pathways for Italian exporters to reach customers across North America.

Key export commodities that move by air from Milan include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and clinical trial medication, luxury goods, and fashion items, industrial equipment, and machine parts, high-end automotives, fresh produce, and specialty food products. Major export markets from Milan include the Middle East, United States, Australia, and South Africa. Emirates SkyCargo offers over 1,000 tonnes of export cargo capacity from its four Italian gateways.

The new freighter service also demonstrates Emirates SkyCargo's commitment to the whole Italian market and is a testament to potential opportunities across Italy. The carrier operates a strong road feeder service, connecting Italian businesses located beyond online gateways to Emirates SkyCargo's network. This will enhance connectivity for pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, perishables, and machinery from the US.

From New York, the freighter service will provide more options for connecting cargo for businesses in Greater New York and Northeast USA. Emirates SkyCargo has been supporting a significant increase in exports from the region, with an increase of 23 percent in the volume of exports from JFK and EWR airports between FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26. The service unlocks seamless connections to high-growth markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

Emirates SkyCargo has embarked on an ambitious year of growth for its freighter fleet and network, taking delivery of eight new freighter aircraft. This expansion helped power the growth of Emirates SkyCargo's freighter network from over 40 destinations in March 2026 to over 60 destinations by July 2026. The carrier also offers high frequency bellyhold cargo capacity on Emirates' fleet of passenger aircraft operating to destinations across six continents.

Key points

• The new freighter service will offer around 100 tons of capacity per flight, operated by Emirates SkyCargo's Boeing 777-F aircraft.
• Exports from Milan carried by Emirates SkyCargo grew 13 percent in FY 2025/26 compared to the previous year.
• Emirates SkyCargo has been supporting a significant increase in exports from the New York region, with an increase of 23 percent in the volume of exports from JFK and EWR airports between FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26.