After the initial announcement of the first ever commitment for the Airbus A350 freighter at the Dubai airshow last week, the European manufacturer has secured another commitment from leading shipping and logistics player CMA CGM Group.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the purchase of four A350F freighter aircraft with the order subject to finalisation in the coming weeks.

The aircraft will be operated by CMA CGM AIR CARGO and will bring the company’s total Airbus fleet to nine, including five A330-200Fs.

Also read: CMA CGM bets on air cargo with new division, A330-200Fs

The  freighter derivative of the long-range A350 jet features a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations. With a payload capability of 109 tonnes, the wide-body freighter can serve express, general cargo and special cargo.

Airbus says it is the only new-generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced 2027 ICAO CO ₂ emissions standards.

At the Dubai airshow, Airbus secured 269 firm orders and 139 commitments totalling 408 aircraft, including a commitment for seven A350Fs by Air Lease Corporation.
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“We are proud to welcome CMA CGM AIR CARGO in the group of operators for the A350F and we are equally pleased to support the company’s future strategic development,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

“Having an early endorsement by such an international cargo powerhouse as the CMA CGM Group is very gratifying,” he added.