Airlines That Have Ordered the Airbus A350 Freighter

Airlines That Have Ordered the Airbus A350 Freighter

The Airbus A350F, a freighter variant derived from the A350-900 passenger aircraft, is set to become a key contender in the next generation of dedicated cargo jets. Initially slated for entry into service in 2026, the program has experienced delays primarily due to persistent supply chain challenges, pushing the expected delivery timeline to 2027. These setbacks have not only slowed Airbus’s rollout but have also affected competitive dynamics within the air cargo market, prompting rivals such as Boeing to potentially recalibrate their strategies to exploit the delay.

Despite these production hurdles, demand for the A350F remains robust. The aircraft is anticipated to compete closely with the Boeing 777X freighter as airlines increasingly seek more efficient and environmentally sustainable cargo solutions. Unlike the Airbus A380, which proved unsuitable for freight conversion, the A350 platform offers significant advantages in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, making it well-suited for modern cargo operations.

Current Orders and Key Customers

According to data from ch-aviation, more than nine customers have placed firm orders totaling 66 Airbus A350F aircraft. Notably absent from the order book are major global freight operators such as DHL and FedEx, a surprising development given their extensive cargo networks.

Among the most prominent customers is Etihad Airways, which has committed to acquiring 10 A350Fs. In contrast, Qatar Airways, a key competitor in the Gulf region, has opted for the Boeing 777X freighter, placing an order for 34 units of the forthcoming 777-9F variant.

Air France has ordered four A350Fs, while its Dutch subsidiary Martinair, a dedicated cargo airline since 2011 and fully owned by KLM, has also placed an order for four aircraft. Other customers include Cathay Pacific with six aircraft, CMA Air Cargo with eight, Singapore Airlines with seven, Starlux Airlines with ten, Turkish Airlines with five, and Silk Way West Airlines with two. Additionally, ten aircraft remain unassigned.

Silk Way West Airlines, based in Azerbaijan, is notable for diversifying its future freighter fleet by ordering both the Airbus A350F and the Boeing 777-8F. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 777F and Boeing 747 freighters, including five 747-400Fs and five 747-8Fs, and has committed to two A350Fs and two 777-8Fs, with options for additional aircraft.

Air France-KLM Group’s Cargo Fleet Modernization

The Air France-KLM group’s investment in the A350F reflects a strategic effort to modernize its cargo operations. Both Air France and Martinair have placed orders for four A350Fs each, underscoring a coordinated approach to fleet renewal. Martinair, operating exclusively as a cargo airline from its base at Amsterdam Schiphol, is integral to the group’s broader objective of enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The advanced technology embedded in the A350F aligns with industry trends emphasizing sustainability and cost-effectiveness in air freight.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The delay in the A350F’s introduction, driven by supply chain constraints, has opened opportunities for competitors to accelerate their own freighter programs or target customers awaiting new capacity. As the air cargo sector continues to evolve, the arrival of the A350F is expected to influence fleet renewal decisions significantly and contribute to advancing sustainability goals across the industry.