Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport, AirAsia’s exclusive cargo partner, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to better support the burgeoning trade between Southeast Asia and the wider world, via Dubai.
The partnership was formalized during IATA’s World Cargo Symposium (WCS), the flagship air transport cargo event. The MoU was signed by Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, and Pete Chareonwongsak, CEO of Teleport.
Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on multiple initiatives, which include expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements, to enhance connectivity and boost the reach of ASEAN businesses.
Teleport exclusively consolidates the bellyhold capacity of all AirAsia airlines into a single and largest air logistics network in Southeast Asia, encompassing Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad, AirAsia X Berhad, Indonesia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X and AirAsia Cambodia, alongside a fleet of three dedicated freighter aircraft and 40+ other airlines.
This collaboration expands Emirates SkyCargo’s reach into more than 100 destinations beyond primary, including both secondary and tertiary airports in the Southeast Asian region. Meanwhile, Teleport will benefit from Emirates’ extensive global network of over 145 destinations with a particular focus on key destinations in Europe, Africa and the US.
Badr Abbas Divisional Senior Vice President – Emirates SkyCargo
“For almost 35 years, we have proudly served Southeast Asia, keeping goods flowing quickly, reliably and efficiently. This strategic partnership with Teleport and the AirAsia Group of airlines is an evolution of that commitment, enabling us to better serve our customers with increased capacity, more flexibility and access into new markets in Asia, combined with enhanced connectivity across our vast global network.”
Pete Chareonwongsak added that, “2025 is a year of global scale for Teleport as we strengthen our Teleport Network reach and capacity to better meet the growing global demands of e-commerce. Our partnership with Emirates, which is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia for them, is a source of great pride as we collaborate with a leading global partner. This will enable the expansion of both our respective air networks, supporting Southeast Asia’s growing exports and facilitating the movement of eCommerce from China, through our connectivity beyond Southeast Asia, to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. eCommerce is expected to double its share of Southeast Asia’s air cargo volumes from 11 percent to 20 percent by 2029, driven by lightweight, high-frequency shipments replacing bulk freight and the rise in demand for express delivery. With a shared commitment to provide faster, more efficient, and reliable cross-border air cargo services, this partnership enhances our combined capabilities to capture global market opportunities.”
Southeast Asia and the wider Asian continent play a key role in global manufacturing, particularly for electronics, smart gadgets, fashion and textiles, machines, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. The partnership aims to support the world’s shifting supply chains, as Southeast Asia continues developing its manufacturing and logistics capabilities.
In 2024, Southeast Asia’s outbound air cargo reached 2.5 million tons, with greater flows expected to the Middle East and Europe, supported by manufacturing expansion, eCommerce, and improved infrastructure.
In recent years, the UAE and Southeast Asian countries have strengthened their economic and bilateral relationship, with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) signed between the UAE and Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia, with Vietnam and Thailand expected to follow.
This partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport supports these prosperous relationships and paves the way for further growth, by improving trade flows and creating new opportunities that help strengthen global economies.
