Etihad Signs LOI for 7 Airbus A350 Freighters

(17 Feb 2022)  Etihad Airways has signed a Letter of Intent for seven Airbus A350 freighters to add to its existing fleet of five A350-1000 passenger versions.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline has also selected Airbus’s Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its entire A350 fleet.

“Etihad is delighted to extend our relationship with Airbus to include this remarkable aircraft as part of our freighter fleet for the future,” said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. “As our cargo operations continue to over perform and we work towards a more sustainable future built upon the world’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet, the addition of the A350F will play a key role in driving our long-term cargo strategy and achieving our 2035 target to reduce CO2 emissions by 50%.”

Not only do the A350 and A350F share 100% commonality for engine spares and tooling, but they also benefit from 99% commonality in airframe tools and spares

With a high level of commonality with A350 passenger aircraft, the A350F will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. The aircraft has a 109 tonne payload capability and a large main deck cargo door.

More than 70% of the airframe of the A350F is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 30-tonne lighter take-off weight and generating at least 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions over its current closest competitor.

The A350F fully meets ICAO’s enhanced CO2 emissions standards coming into effect in 2027.

“We are pleased to sign this agreement with our long standing partner Etihad, shortly before this most discerning airline also introduces A350 passenger service. Thank you Etihad for endorsing the game changing nature of the new A350F” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The world’s only new generation large freighter will be unmatched in its market segment in terms of range, fuel consumption and CO2 savings.”

 To date the A350F has won firm orders and commitments for 29 aircraft from 5 customers.