Milan:Emirates SkyCargo has announced the introduction of a new weekly freighter service connecting Milan (MXP) with New York (JFK), set to commence on December 5, 2026. This service aims to enhance trade connectivity for exporters in Italy, especially those in the Lombardy region, to the United States, a key trading partner. The return leg of the service is designed to bolster export connectivity for businesses in the greater New York area to markets in the Middle East and Asia via Dubai.
According to Emirates, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, emphasized Milan's role as a critical air cargo gateway for Italy and Europe. The new freighter service will provide significant maindeck capacity on this trade corridor, offering exporters increased access, flexibility, and reliability in serving U.S. customers.
The freighter service, operated by Emirates SkyCargo's Boeing 777-F aircraft with approximately 100 tonnes of capacity per flight, addresses the rising demand for export capacity from Northern Italy and the Lombardy region. The growth in Milan's exports by 13% in FY 2025/26 compared to the previous year underscores this demand. The service facilitates faster, more efficient pathways for Italian goods to reach North American markets.
Emirates SkyCargo currently operates a weekly freighter service between Milan and Dubai (DWC) and offers over 1,000 tonnes of export cargo capacity weekly from its Italian gateways. This new service further demonstrates the carrier's commitment to the Italian market and highlights potential opportunities across Italy.
From New York, the freighter service enables seamless connections to high-growth markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. Emirates SkyCargo has noted a 23% increase in export volumes from JFK and EWR airports between FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26. The service enhances options for connecting cargo from Greater New York and Northeast USA.
Alongside the New York service, Emirates SkyCargo has introduced freighter flights to Los Angeles and Dallas in 2026 and increased frequencies to Miami, further strengthening connectivity between North America and its global network. The cargo carrier's expansion includes adding eight new freighter aircraft to its fleet, contributing to the growth of its freighter network from over 40 destinations in March 2026 to over 60 by July 2026.
