Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10 aircraft

by

Air China Cargo A350F – (©Airbus SAS 2025)

Air China Cargo Co., Ltd. (Air China Cargo) has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft. Air China Cargo previously ordered six A350F freighters in November 2025.

“This additional order, following our initial A350F order last year, is a crucial strategic decision for the company to further optimise our fleet structure and expand transport capacity. It will allow us to better match and meet the demands of the international air cargo market, laying a solid foundation for the company’s long-term stable development,” said Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo.

“We are very pleased with Air China Cargo’s decision to increase its order for the A350F freighter. It reflects Air China Cargo’s full confidence in Airbus’ products and reaffirms the A350F’s leading position as the next-generation freighter,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

Air China Cargo began introducing Airbus freighters at the end of 2023, and currently operates a fleet of eight Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft. In the near future, the  A350F freighter will join Air China Cargo’s fleet and will complement the A330-200P2F freighters, maximising their advantages on long-haul and medium-to-long-haul routes. 

Designed to be the world’s most advanced cargo aircraft, the A350F meets the evolving demands of the global air freight market. Thanks to a range capability of up to 8,700 kilometres with a payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will allow operators to deploy it on international long-haul routes. Made from over 70% advanced materials, the A350F is 46 tonnes lighter than competitor aircraft. 

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 20% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. It is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards. The A350F is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for up to 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft. 

At the end of April 2026, the A350F had registered 101 orders from 14 customers.