Chinese carrier Air China has announced plans to order up to 10 Airbus A350F freighter aircraft as part of its strategy to modernise its cargo fleet.
The company aims to place a firm order for six A350Fs initially, with an option for an additional four aircraft to be exercised by the end of 2026.
In its statement, Air China said, “This transaction is in line with the company’s development plan and market demand, helping to optimise the fleet structure and support long-term capacity renewal.”
Efficiency Era in the Fleet with the Next-Generation A350F
According to planespotters.net data, Air China Cargo currently operates a cargo fleet consisting of six Airbus A330-300Fs, three Boeing 747-400Fs, and thirteen Boeing 777Fs.
With the addition of the new A350F aircraft, fuel efficiency is expected to improve, emissions will be reduced, and maintenance costs will decrease.
The A350Fs are expected to replace the ageing Boeing 747-400Fs, which have an average age of 23.4 years.
The A350F model under development by Airbus stands out as the freighter version of the popular A350 passenger aircraft.
The aircraft will have a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 109 tonnes and a range of 8,700 kilometres. Airbus recently completed the first A350F fuselage, marking a significant milestone in the transition to the testing phase.
The freighter is scheduled to enter commercial service in 2027.
New Competition in the Cargo Market: Airbus vs. Boeing
In the cargo aircraft market, Boeing has long held a strong position with its 747-400F and 777F models.
However, delays in the 777-8F programme are giving Airbus a competitive edge in the market.
With the A350F, Airbus aims to capture a larger share of the cargo segment through modern technology, lower fuel consumption, and an environmentally friendly design.
Currently, the A350F programme has received 66 orders. Boeing’s 777-8F model, by comparison, has a total of 59 orders, slightly trailing behind.
According to aviation reports, Air China’s A350F order plan reflects the growing trend among Chinese cargo carriers to opt for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.
Moreover, the growth of global e-commerce and the increasing air cargo traffic centred in Asia are making such investments more significant.
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