Airbus has confirmed that it has received 63 orders for its A350F freighter, according to its January 2025 orders and deliveries report.
The manufacturer, which is set to begin final assembly of the aircraft this year, continues to build momentum for its next-generation freighter as key components, including engine pylons and tooling, are already in production.
The current order book for the A350F includes commitments from leading cargo operators and leasing firms:
Starlux – 10 aircraft
CMA CGM Air Cargo – 8 aircraft
Etihad Cargo – 7 aircraft
Air Lease Corporation – 7 aircraft
Singapore Airlines Cargo – 7 aircraft
Cathay Pacific Cargo – 6 aircraft
Turkish Cargo – 5 aircraft
Air France – 4 aircraft
Martinair – 4 aircraft
Silk Way West Airlines – 2 aircraft
Undisclosed Customer – 3 aircraft
Airbus has not yet disclosed the identity of the customer behind the three A350F orders. However, industry speculation suggests it may be Etihad Cargo, which had previously indicated plans to expand its order for the type.
In an interview with FreightWaves in November 2024, Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad, confirmed that the airline intended to exercise an option for three additional A350F freighters, bringing its total to 10 aircraft.
However, the latest Airbus delivery report still reflects only seven confirmed orders for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier.
If the additional orders are indeed linked to Etihad, it would mark a significant expansion of the airline’s long-haul cargo capacity.
A350F: Airbus’ Next-Generation Freighter
Designed to compete with Boeing’s 777F and upcoming 777-8F, the A350F is set to become one of the most efficient widebody freighters on the market.
The aircraft will offer:
Payload capacity of 111 tonnes
Range of 4,700 nautical miles
Up to 40% lower fuel burn compared to older-generation freighters
Carbon composite fuselage, reducing weight and increasing fuel efficiency
Airbus A330-200F: All Deliveries Completed
In addition to the A350F updates, Airbus confirmed that all 38 orders for its A330-200 freighter have now been fulfilled. This model has been a key player in the medium-haul cargo market, and four of the aircraft were delivered to an undisclosed customer.
Final Assembly of the A350F Begins This Year
With final assembly of the A350F set to begin in 2025, Airbus is moving closer to delivering the first aircraft to its customers.
The new freighter is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing global air cargo fleets, offering enhanced efficiency and lower emissions, in line with the industry’s sustainability targets.
The A350F is scheduled for entry into service in 2026, with operators eagerly awaiting its performance capabilities and cost efficiencies in a growing global cargo market.