Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement for six Airbus A350F aircraft, becoming the first operator in mainland China to order the new-generation freighter. The carrier said the A350F will strengthen operational efficiency, streamline maintenance and enhance long-term resilience across its global network.
“The introduction of the A350F to our existing mixed cargo fleet contributes to efficiency in operation and maintenance. The A350F will enhance Air China Cargo’s capability to withstand risks in its long-term stable operation”, said Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo.
“We are delighted to welcome Air China Cargo as the latest customer for the A350F. The A350F will bring a new generation of efficiency and performance as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into Air China Cargo’s operation”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.
Beijing-based Air China Cargo, the country’s only national flag-bearing cargo airline, has significantly broadened its operations since June 2025. The airline now operates dedicated freighter services across North, East, South, and Southwest China, and has launched 25 all-cargo international routes connecting key destinations in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Its air freight network is further supported by over 1,500 global road feeder service (RFS) routes, combining freighter capacity and passenger belly space to meet growing demand for diverse cargo solutions.
In parallel with Air China Cargo’s network growth, the industry is turning toward next-generation freighters like the Airbus A350F, designed to meet evolving requirements across express, general, and special cargo sectors. With a payload capacity of up to 111 tonnes and a range of 8,700 km, the A350F is engineered for performance and sustainability. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft delivers up to 40 percent lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation freighters.
Constructed using over 70 percent advanced materials, the A350F is 46 tonnes lighter than competitor aircraft and features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door. It is the only freighter currently compliant with ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emissions standards and will enter service with 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) capability, targeting 100 percent by 2030. Test aircraft assembly is already underway in Toulouse.
As of October 2025, Airbus had secured 1,445 orders for the A350 Family from 63 customers, including 74 orders for the all-new A350F placed by 12 airlines around the world.
The post Air China Cargo becomes new A350F customer appeared first on Air Cargo Week.
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Author: Anastasiya Simsek
