The Airbus A350F, expected to revolutionise cargo aviation, is in the spotlight due to a delay that has raised expectations. So far, the A350F has received approximately 56 firm orders, but the first deliveries, originally scheduled for 2026, have now been postponed to the second half of 2027. Airbus cited updates in the design process, testing, and production dynamics as the reason for the delay.
A350F: The New-Generation Cargo Giant
According to Airbus, the A350F will be the only aircraft to meet the latest ICAO cargo aircraft requirements. Built on the A350-1000 fuselage platform, this giant freighter will bring a new dimension to long-haul cargo transport with a range of 4,700 nautical miles (approximately 8,700 km).
Order List (Total: 56 Aircraft)
| Airline / Company | Number of Orders |
|---|---|
| Air France | 4 |
| Cathay Pacific | 6 |
| CMA CGM Air Cargo | 8 |
| Etihad Airways | 10 |
| Martinair (KLM) | 4 |
| Silkway West (Azerbaijan) | 2 |
| Singapore Airlines | 7 |
| Starlux Airlines | 10 |
| Turkish Airlines | 5 |
A350F vs Boeing 777X Freighter: A Giant Rivalry Looms
The A350F’s main competitor will be Boeing’s 777-8 Freighter (the freighter variant of the 777X). Both aircraft aim to support the cargo industry’s sustainability goals through high fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and increased payload capacity.
As we move towards 2027, the competition between these two aircraft is expected to shape the future of the cargo market. Airbus’s emphasis on the carbon composite fuselage structure and its claim of up to 20% fuel savings make the A350F a standout in the industry.
