Air China Cargo A350F order; Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement for six Airbus A350F freighters, Airbus announced on 14 November 2025. The Beijing-based cargo arm becomes the first mainland Chinese operator of Airbus’s factory-built A350 freighter, a move Airbus says will modernise long-haul cargo services and cut emissions per tonne-kilometre.
What was announced and why it matters
Air China Cargo’s agreement for six A350F aircraft, widely reported across the trade press, signals a shift toward new-build freighters in Asia as carriers replace ageing 747-400Fs and MD-11Fs and contend with limited passenger-to-freighter conversion slots. Airbus positions the A350F as offering higher payload (up to 111 tonnes) and long-haul capability (around 8,700 km) with manufacturer-stated fuel-burn savings of about 40% per tonne-kilometre compared with older freighters.
What the A350F brings to cargo operations
- Design: The A350F is a purpose-built freighter (not a P2F conversion) with a reinforced main deck, the largest production main-deck cargo door in its class and structural optimisations for palletised and outsized cargo. Airbus says these features speed turnarounds and improve payload utilisation.
- Performance: Published Airbus figures show a payload ~111 tonnes and a range sufficient for transpacific missions with commercial payloads. The A350F uses modern turbofan technology to reduce fuel burn per t-km and supports SAF blends today with plans for higher SAF compatibility by 2030.
Why Air China Cargo ordered factory freighters
- Fleet renewal: Air China Cargo operates a mixed freighter fleet (747s, 777Fs, A330s). New-build A350Fs can replace ageing quad-jets and provide more efficient capacity and lower operating cost per tonne.
- Cargo market dynamics: E-commerce, semiconductor flows and supply-chain re-routing boosted freighter demand; tight P2F conversion slots make factory freighters attractive for airlines planning long-term capacity.
Timeline & quick facts
- 14 Nov 2025: Airbus press release: Air China Cargo signs purchase agreement for six A350F freighters.
- 2026–2028: Airbus planned flight-test activity and production ramp-up for early A350F deliveries (Airbus has previously outlined 2026–2028 test/delivery windows, subject to supply-chain timing).
- Market footprint: As of Oct–Nov 2025 Airbus reported ~74 A350F orders across a dozen customers; the Air China Cargo deal extends that footprint into mainland China.
Market & regulatory context
- Regulatory: ICAO CO₂ standards and tightening noise/emissions rules are pressing carriers to adopt more efficient aircraft, the A350F is marketed to help meet those obligations. Airlines will still need to manage local SAF supply and infrastructure to fully realise emissions gains.
- Regional impact: For China, a modern freighter fleet supports logistics sovereignty and better links between manufacturing hubs and key consumption markets across Asia, Europe and North America. The A350F’s long range could enable more direct transpacific cargo flows.
What’s Next? Industry outlook
- Delivery schedule: Watch Airbus orders & deliveries and Air China Cargo statements for delivery timing and engine fit (Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 is the expected engine).
- Operational validation: Expect operators and lessors to evaluate payload/range performance and turn-time gains in 2028+ as aircraft enter service.
- Supply-chain watch: Monitor Airbus production ramp and supplier updates (Spirit AeroSystems and others) that could affect A350F delivery cadence.
Sources
- Airbus press release: “Air China Cargo becomes new Airbus A350F freighter customer,” 14 Nov 2025.
- SimpleFlying coverage: “Airbus Air China Cargo order six A350F.”
- Air Cargo News / AeroTime / Centre for Aviation summaries of the order and market context.
- Reteuro (Max Olivier): industry commentary and synthesis of the announcement.
