Air China Cargo has increased its Airbus A350F freighter order to 10 aircraft as the carrier expands long-haul cargo capacity and modernises its fleet.
Air China Cargo has signed an agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, increasing its total commitment for the aircraft type to 10 units. The carrier previously placed an order for six A350F freighters in November 2025.
According to Air China Cargo, the expanded order forms part of the company’s strategy to optimise fleet structure and increase transport capacity in response to demand within the international cargo market.
Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo, stated that the additional aircraft would support the company’s long-term operational development and strengthen its ability to meet international freight requirements.
A350F TO COMPLEMENT EXISTING AIRBUS FREIGHTER FLEET
Air China Cargo began introducing Airbus freighters into its operations at the end of 2023 and currently operates eight Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft. Airbus stated that the A350F will complement the airline’s existing freighter fleet across long-haul and medium-to-long-haul cargo operations.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales for Commercial Aircraft, said the additional order reflected Air China Cargo’s confidence in the A350F platform and reinforced its position within the next-generation freighter market.
AIRBUS HIGHLIGHTS EFFICIENCY AND EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE
Airbus describes the A350F as its next-generation cargo aircraft, designed to meet evolving air freight market requirements.
The aircraft offers a range of up to 8,700 km with a payload capability of up to 111 tonnes.
The manufacturer stated that the aircraft incorporates more than 70% advanced materials and is approximately 46 tonnes lighter than competing aircraft in the segment.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20% compared with previous-generation aircraft of similar payload and range capability. Airbus also noted that the aircraft fully complies with ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards.
The A350F is certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry into service, with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030 across its aircraft portfolio.
At the end of April 2026, Airbus reported that the A350F programme had accumulated 101 orders from 14 customers globally.
SOURCE: AIRBUS
