Air France Confirms Order for Four A350 Freighters

(13 Apr 2022, 11:25 +07)  Air France-KLM has finalised an order with Airbus for four A350 freighters, following a commitment announced in December 2021.

The A350F is based on the passenger version of the popular A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations.

Air France Airbus A350F

Over 70% of the A350F’s airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30-tonne lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 over its current closest competitor.

With an 109-tonne payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than the current competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets such as express, general cargo, special cargo etc., and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced ICAO CO2 emissions standards.

“Airlines now have a choice, and we salute Air France joining those going for the A350F’s step change in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “We are gratified by the wave of early adopters who, like Air France, see the economics and environmental signature of the A350s as standing out versus alternatives, past, existing and future. Merci, Air France.”

Launched in 2021, the A350F has thus far recorded 29 orders and commitments from five customers.