Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia. This partnership aims to strengthen trade between Southeast Asia and the global market through Dubai.

The MoU was signed during the IATA’s World Cargo Symposium by Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President, and Pete Chareonwongsak, CEO of Teleport. The agreement includes initiatives such as expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements, which will enhance connectivity and broaden the reach of ASEAN businesses.

Teleport consolidates the bellyhold capacity of all AirAsia airlines into the largest air logistics network in Southeast Asia. This network includes Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad, AirAsia X Berhad, Indonesia AirAsia, and several others, along with a fleet of three dedicated freighter aircraft and over 40 partner airlines. This partnership expands Emirates SkyCargo’s operations to more than 100 destinations, including secondary and tertiary airports in Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, Teleport will benefit from Emirates SkyCargo’s extensive global network, which covers over 145 destinations, focusing on key markets in Europe, Africa, and the United States.

Badr Abbas expressed that the partnership is a continuation of Emirates SkyCargo’s commitment to serving Southeast Asia effectively over the past 35 years. He highlighted that this strategic collaboration with Teleport and the AirAsia Group will enhance capacity, flexibility, and access to new markets in Asia, improving connectivity across their global network.

Pete Chareonwongsak mentioned that 2025 is a pivotal year for Teleport as they aim to expand their network capacity to meet growing demands in e-commerce. He stated that this partnership with Emirates is significant for both parties and will facilitate the movement of e-commerce goods from China to regions including the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He noted that e-commerce’s share of Southeast Asia’s air cargo volumes is expected to nearly double from 11% to 20% by 2029, driven by increased demand for faster delivery services.

The partnership is set against the backdrop of Southeast Asia’s vital role in global manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as electronics, fashion, and pharmaceuticals. Current trends indicate that outbound air cargo from Southeast Asia is projected to reach approximately 2.5 million tons in 2024, with increasing flows to the Middle East and Europe due to manufacturing growth and improved logistics infrastructure.

In recent years, the UAE has strengthened its economic ties with Southeast Asian nations, having signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia, with Vietnam and Thailand in discussions to follow. The partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport is expected to enhance these economic relations by improving trade flows and creating new opportunities.

Emirates SkyCargo has operated in Southeast Asia since June 1990, initially flying directly to Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila. Currently, the airline operates five freighters and 176 passenger flights weekly to 11 destinations in the region. Further expansion is planned with the introduction of passenger services to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Da Nang, Vietnam, set to launch in June 2025.

Founded in 2018, Teleport provides integrated logistics solutions and operates the largest air logistics network in Southeast Asia, covering 80% of the region. Teleport’s network facilitates the movement of various cargo types, from large shipments to small e-commerce parcels, reaching over 164 destinations in the Asia Pacific region through a combination of freighter and passenger aircraft capacities.