Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced a firm order for 20 Airbus A350F freighters, with options for an additional 20 aircraft, making Atlas the largest customer for the all-new large widebody freighter platform and securing early delivery positions for this next-generation aircraft. The order represents a key investment in the Company’s long-term fleet strategy and positions Atlas to drive sustained earnings growth while modernising its global fleet. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029 and be completed in 2034.
The A350F, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, will support strategic expansion and broaden Atlas’ fleet offerings for its customers across global cargo and charter markets, offering strong payload-range capability and fuel efficiency. These aircraft will complement the Company’s existing fleet of 113 aircraft – Boeing 747s, 777s, and 767s – further strengthening Atlas’ current position as the world’s largest widebody freighter operator with approximately 13% market share.
“We are proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F, securing early delivery positions for this next-generation widebody freighter platform,” said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “This order reflects our commitment to maintaining the industry’s most modern and fuel-efficient widebody freighter fleet to best serve existing and new customers worldwide. The A350F is a highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits, and a strong sustainability profile. We are pleased to add Airbus and Rolls-Royce to our supplier base of leading aircraft and engine manufacturers, offering us optionality and supporting our global operations and continued growth.”
“As retirements of older widebody freighters accelerate, the large widebody freighter market will remain constrained, with limited new capacity entering the market,” Mr. Steen continued. “This strategic investment reinforces our long-term confidence in global airfreight demand, and positions Atlas to meet that demand and support future growth.”
“We are proud to welcome Atlas, the leading global widebody freighter operator, to the Airbus family and are committed to a long-term partnership as Atlas introduces this new platform into its fleet,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “The A350F delivers unmatched efficiency, performance and sustainability, and we very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colours.”
The A350F is the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. With the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, the fuselage length and capacity are optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. The airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a lighter take-off weight.
In addition to strengthening the Company’s fleet profile, the order supports long-term pilot career growth and operational expansion opportunities. As new aircraft enter the fleet, Atlas anticipates creating additional widebody flying opportunities and advancing its position as a premier employer for pilots and aviation professionals.
