Dubai serves as a critical hub for UPS because of its location at major global trade crossroads and its advanced logistics infrastructure. The city connects Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, making it an important point for distributing goods globally. In March 2025, UPS announced further investment in facilities at Dubai South. Ismet Demirel, UPS’ Vice President of Transportation for the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa stated:
“Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and strategic location at the crossroads of global trade make it a vital hub for UPS’s global network. This investment in new capabilities in the region will allow us to connect businesses across the Middle East to over 200 countries and territories globally – driving efficiency and growth for businesses of all sizes in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.”
Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of Dubai South’s Logistics District added:
“Our partnership with UPS reflects Dubai South’s commitment to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub. This new facility will enhance UPS’ capabilities, enabling faster and more efficient trade connectivity. We are committed to supporting UPS in its growth ambitions, ensuring it has the necessary resources to meet the rising demand for logistics services across the region.”
Dubai South is designed around logistics and aviation operations and offers continuous access to Jebel Ali Port—the largest seaport in the Middle East.
FedEx began operating another long-haul air cargo route in April 2025 between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Memphis International Airport (MEM), using Boeing 777 freighters on flights that include a stopover in Anchorage. Kawal Preet, President of FedEx Asia-Pacific said:
“This flight connects a vital trade corridor between Southeast Asia and the US, supporting the region’s role as a key manufacturing and export hub.”
Atlas Air also operates long-distance flights but often on charter basis; Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) is cited as one such lengthy regular service.
Singapore Airlines runs what may be considered one of the world’s longest scheduled air freight services by carrying belly cargo on its passenger Airbus A350-900ULR flights between Singapore and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), covering nearly 9,537 miles nonstop.
The Boeing 747 has played a significant role in enabling these long-haul cargo operations but ceased production after Atlas Air received its final four units early in 2023. Stan Deal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes remarked during this event:
"This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that 'shrank the world,' and revolutionized travel and air cargo as the first widebody. It is fitting to deliver this final 747-8 Freighter to the largest operator of the 747, Atlas Air, where the 'Queen' will continue to inspire and empower innovation in air cargo."
John Dietrich, President and CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide added:
"We are honored to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world. Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, we have spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747 including Dreamlifter—Boeing's 747 Large Cargo Freighter—for transport of 787 Dreamliner parts."
As production ends for this aircraft model that once defined international air freight capacity—with Pan American World Airways having been its launch customer—newer models like Airbus A350F or Boeing's upcoming twinjets are expected to take on larger roles.
Alerts Sign-up
