Singapore Airlines Signs LOI for 7 Airbus A350 Freighters

(16 Dec 2021)  Singapore Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus to purchase seven A350F freighter aircraft, with options to order another five.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q4 2025, when SIA will become the first airline to operate this new generation widebody freighter aircraft.

The agreement includes a swap with 15 A320neo and two A350-900 passenger aircraft that are in the SIA Group order book.

The A350F can carry a similar volume of cargo as the Boeing 747-400F, which it will replace in the SIA fleet.

The A350F, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, burns up to 40% less fuel on similar missions to provide better operating economics, and boasts a longer range that offers greater flexibility in aircraft deployment.

Singapore Airlines will use the Airbus A350F to replace the Boeing 747Fs in its fleet

Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said, “This agreement with Airbus reinforces SIA’s position as a leading global air cargo carrier, while advancing our sustainability goals. It also ensures that we are prudent with our capital expenditure, and adjusts our passenger aircraft order book to give us the flexibility needed to navigate uncertainties in the recovery trajectory. The A350Fs will replace our seven 747-400F freighters, with the options providing the ability to adapt our requirements to future demand in the cargo market.

“The pandemic has underscored the importance of investing in the cargo business, and bolstering the SIA Group’s diverse revenue streams. Air cargo also plays a vital role in keeping open global supply chains, especially to transport essential goods during these times. SIA has worked closely with our partners in Singapore and around the world to deliver items such as vaccines, personal protection equipment, and food supplies, and we will continue to support such efforts.”

The deal supports the SIA’s sustainability goals, and its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Replacing the 747-400Fs with the A350Fs will cut SIA’s carbon emissions by around 400,000 tonnes annually, based on current operations.

“We are honoured by Singapore Airlines’ vote of confidence in the A350F as it renews its freighter fleet. The A350F is the world’s all-new large freighter and will be unmatched in its market segment in terms of operational efficiency, lower fuel consumption and CO2 savings,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “It is gratifying that Singapore Airlines recognises the value of the A350F as we build on the strong partnership we already enjoy.”