Emirates SkyCargo has announced the launch of a new weekly freighter service connecting Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) with New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), starting December 5, 2026. The new service will provide direct air cargo connectivity for exporters in Italy, particularly businesses in the Lombardy region, to the United States, one of Italy’s most important trading partners. On the return journey, the service will also provide businesses in the United States, particularly those in the Greater New York region, with enhanced access to markets across the Middle East and Asia through Emirates SkyCargo’s Dubai hub.
New Freighter Capacity Supports Italian Exporters
The new service will be operated by an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777-F freighter, offering approximately 100 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight. The additional maindeck capacity is designed to meet growing demand for air freight between Northern Italy and the United States while giving exporters greater flexibility, reliability and direct access to customers in the North American market.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said Milan is a key air cargo gateway for both Italy and Europe, with Emirates SkyCargo currently providing more than 500 tonnes of weekly export capacity from the city to global markets. This includes more than 100 tonnes of weekly bellyhold capacity on Emirates’ passenger services to New York. He said the new freighter operation would add significant dedicated cargo capacity to an important trade corridor and strengthen opportunities for exporters.
Abbas also highlighted growing exports from the Greater New York region, noting that the new service would provide enhanced connectivity for pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, perishables and machinery moving from the United States to international markets. Through Emirates SkyCargo’s network via Dubai, businesses will gain access to destinations across the Middle East, Asia and beyond.
Milan Exports Grow 13%
The launch comes as Emirates SkyCargo records strong growth in export volumes from Milan. Exports carried from Milan by the airline increased by 13% in FY 2025/26 compared with the previous financial year, reflecting growing demand for international air cargo connectivity from Northern Italy.
New York is the largest air cargo export destination for Italian goods, and the direct Milan-New York freighter connection is expected to create faster and more efficient routes for Italian exporters seeking to reach customers across North America. Emirates SkyCargo already operates a weekly freighter service between Milan and Dubai World Central (DWC), further strengthening the city’s role within its global cargo network.
Key commodities exported from Milan through Emirates SkyCargo include pharmaceuticals, vaccines and clinical trial medicines, luxury and fashion products, industrial equipment and machinery parts, high-end automobiles, fresh produce and specialty food products. Major export markets include the Middle East, the United States, Australia and South Africa.
Emirates Expands Italian Cargo Network
Emirates SkyCargo has continued to expand its support for Italian businesses and international trade, with exports from Italy carried by the airline increasing by more than 12% between FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26. The carrier currently provides more than 1,000 tonnes of weekly export cargo capacity from its four Italian gateways, Bologna, Milan, Rome and Venice.
The airline also operates a strong road feeder service connecting businesses located beyond its direct airport gateways with the wider Emirates SkyCargo network. The new Milan-New York freighter service is therefore expected to complement existing air and road cargo connections while strengthening Emirates SkyCargo’s presence across the Italian market.
New York Export Volumes Rise 23%
The new freighter service will also create additional cargo options for businesses in Greater New York and the wider Northeast United States. Emirates SkyCargo has reported significant growth in exports from the region, with cargo volumes originating from JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) increasing by 23% between FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26.
Major export commodities from New York include pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, perishables, e-commerce shipments, machinery and industrial components. By combining dedicated freighter capacity with bellyhold capacity aboard Emirates passenger aircraft, the carrier aims to offer customers greater flexibility, faster transit times and connections to markets throughout the Middle East, Asia and Oceania.
Emirates Strengthens North American Network
The Milan-New York service is part of Emirates SkyCargo’s broader expansion across North America. In 2026, the cargo carrier launched new freighter services to Los Angeles (LAX) and Dallas (DFW) while increasing frequencies to Miami (MIA). The expansion is strengthening connections between North American markets and Emirates SkyCargo’s global network through Dubai, enabling businesses to move cargo between major commercial centres and high-growth markets across multiple regions.
Freighter Fleet Expands to Support Global Growth
The Skycargo has embarked on an ambitious expansion of its freighter fleet and global network. In 2026, the carrier took delivery of eight new freighter aircraft, comprising seven Boeing 777-F production freighters and one Boeing 777-300ER special freighter.
The fleet expansion helped Emirates SkyCargo increase the size of its dedicated freighter network from more than 40 destinations in March 2026 to more than 60 destinations by July 2026. In addition to dedicated freighter operations, the carrier continues to provide high-frequency bellyhold cargo capacity through it’ passenger aircraft network, connecting destinations across six continents. The new weekly Milan-New York freighter service further reinforces Emirates SkyCargo’s strategy of expanding dedicated cargo capacity on major global trade corridors while providing businesses with greater access to international markets.
