Air China Cargo Orders Six Airbus A350F Freighters
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Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has signed a contract with Air China cargo for the delivery of six A350F cargo aircraft. The carrier is the first customer from mainland China to order these machines.
Headquartered in Beijing, air China Cargo is China’s only national-flagged cargo airline. As of June 2025, it operates all cargo aircraft in North, East, South and Southwest China. The company has also opened 25 cargo routes to major regions and cities around the world, including Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. The network of specialized cargo aircraft and under-deck transport is further complemented by more than 1 500 ground truck routes around the world.
The Airbus A350F is not yet in service, but a test specimen is already being assembled in Toulouse, France. With the cargo version of the accomplished passenger plane A350, the manufacturer wants to capture part of the long-haul cargo aircraft market, which is currently controlled by Boeing. The machine of the European manufacturer is supposed to be able to transport up to 111 tons of cargo.
Airbus A350F: A New Era in Air Freight
The Airbus A350F is a proposed long-range, large-capacity freighter aircraft under development by Airbus. Announced in February 2022, it aims to address the growing demand for dedicated air freight capacity, replacing aging fleets and offering improved efficiency.
Development and Design
The A350F is based on the successful A350-900 and A350-1000 passenger aircraft, leveraging their advanced technology and aerodynamic design. Key features include a new large cargo door, a reinforced floor structure to accommodate heavy loads, and an optimized cabin for cargo handling. Airbus estimates the development cost at approximately €300 million (roughly $325 million USD as of November 17, 2025).
Compared to its competitors, such as the Boeing 777F, the A350F promises significant improvements in fuel efficiency, reducing operating costs and carbon emissions. It utilizes a similar Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine family as the passenger versions, but optimized for freighter operations. The aircraft’s composite materials contribute to a lighter airframe, further enhancing fuel economy.
Specifications
- Range: 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km) with a 100 tonne payload
- payload: Up to 110 tonnes
- Length: 70.9 meters (232 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 64.7 meters (212 ft 3 in)
- Height: 17.5 meters (57 ft 5 in)
- Engines: Two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97
- Maximum Takeoff weight (MTOW): 325 tonnes
Market and Competition
The air freight market has experienced considerable growth in recent years, driven by e-commerce and global trade. Airbus anticipates a need for approximately 900 new large freighters over the next 20 years. The A350F directly competes with the Boeing 777F and, to a lesser extent, the Boeing 747-8F (which is nearing the end of its production run).
Major cargo carriers, including Air France-KLM, CMA CGM Air Cargo, and Wizz Air Cargo, have already placed orders for the A350F, demonstrating strong market confidence. As of November 2025, Airbus has secured over 30 firm orders for the aircraft.Airbus Press Release
Entry into Service
Airbus aims for the A350F to enter into service in 2027. The first flight is anticipated in 2026, with certification expected shortly thereafter. The aircraft is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing air freight operations and meeting the evolving needs of the global supply chain.
Further Details
For more detailed information, please visit the official Airbus website: Airbus A350F product Page