Beijing, China, 14 November 2025 – Air China Cargo Co., Ltd. has signed a purchase agreement for six Airbus A350F aircraft, becoming the first operator in mainland China to order the all-new freighter. The acquisition marks a strategic investment in next-generation cargo capability, strengthening the airline’s operational resilience and long-term fleet efficiency.
Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo, said the addition of the A350F will support a more efficient and harmonised operation across the carrier’s mixed cargo fleet. “The introduction of the A350F to our existing mixed cargo fleet contributes to efficiency in operation and maintenance. The A350F will enhance Air China Cargo’s capability to withstand risks in its long-term stable operation,” he noted.
Airbus also welcomed the agreement as another milestone in the A350F’s global momentum. “We are delighted to welcome Air China Cargo as the latest customer for the A350F. The A350F will bring new generation efficiency and performance as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into Air China Cargo’s operation,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.
Headquartered in Beijing, Air China Cargo is the country’s only national-flag cargo airline. Since June 2025, it has expanded its all-cargo operations across North, East, South and Southwest China, while opening 25 dedicated cargo routes to major cities worldwide, including in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Its freighter and passenger-belly network is further supported by more than 1,500 global ground-trucking routes.
The A350F has been engineered as the world’s most advanced freighter, tailored for express, general and special cargo markets. Capable of carrying up to 111 tonnes over 8,700 km, the aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, delivering up to a 40% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation freighters. Built from more than 70% advanced materials, the A350F is 46 tonnes lighter than its competitors and features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry.
It is also the only freighter fully compliant with ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards, and will enter service with 50% SAF capability, targeting 100% by 2030. Assembly of the first test aircraft is currently underway in Toulouse.
As of the end of October 2025, the Airbus A350 Family had secured 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 74 orders for the A350F from 12 operators.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: AIRBUS
