Milan:Dubai Emirates SkyCargo has announced the launch of a new weekly freighter service that will connect Milan Malpensa Airport with John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York starting December 5th. This new service aims to enhance trade connectivity for Italian exporters, particularly those in the Lombardy region, to the United States, a key trading partner for Italy.
According to Wam, the service will also benefit businesses in the United States, especially in the Greater New York area, by providing improved export connectivity to markets across the Middle East and Asia via Dubai. Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, emphasized that Milan is a crucial air cargo gateway for Italy and Europe, contributing over 500 tonnes of weekly export capacity to global markets.
The new freighter service will be operated by a Boeing 777F, offering around 100 tonnes of capacity per flight. This capacity will support the growing demand for export from Northern Italy and the Lombardy region. The service is expected to provide Italian exporters with enhanced access, flexibility, and reliability in serving their customers in the United States.
Emirates SkyCargo also reported a 13 percent increase in exports from Milan in the 2025-2026 financial year compared to the previous year. The direct freighter connectivity between Milan and New York will facilitate faster and more efficient access for Italian goods across North America. Key commodities exported from Milan include pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, industrial equipment, and specialty food products.
Additionally, the new service from New York will offer more options for businesses in the northeastern United States to transport exports to global markets. Export volumes through JFK and Newark airports increased by 23 percent between the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 financial years, with key exports including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and machinery.
In 2026, Emirates SkyCargo expanded its freighter fleet and global network by adding eight freighter aircraft, including Boeing 777F freighters. This expansion increased its freighter network destinations from over 40 to more than 60 by July 2026, further strengthening its global connectivity.