Air China Cargo doubles down on Airbus A350F with four more freighters
May 26, 2026
Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement for four additional Airbus A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.
The airline previously ordered six A350Fs in November 2025, becoming the first customer in mainland China to commit to Airbus’ all-new freighter.
Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo, said the additional order was a “crucial strategic decision” intended to optimise the carrier’s fleet structure and increase 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,” Wang said.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said the follow-on order reflected Air China Cargo’s confidence in the A350F and its position in the next-generation freighter market.
Airbus A350F gains momentum in China’s cargo market
The upgraded order gives Airbus a deeper foothold in the Chinese cargo industry, a market that has traditionally been dominated by Boeing aircraft.
Air China Cargo began introducing Airbus freighters at the end of 2023 and currently operates eight A330-200P2F converted freighters. The A350F will sit above those aircraft in the carrier’s fleet, giving it a new-build widebody freighter for longer-range cargo operations.
Designed to carry up to 111 tonnes over a range of around 4,700 nautical miles. Constructed using 70% advanced materials, it is 46 tonnes lighter than competing freighters.
With the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB powering the aircraft, it is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20% compared to previous-generation aircraft with a similar range and capacity.
Airbus also says the A350F is the only freighter currently designed to meet ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emissions standards fully.
Who else has ordered the Airbus A350F?
The A350F programme has now attracted orders from a mix of cargo specialists, network airlines, lessors and express/logistics-linked operators.
At the end of April 2026, Airbus listed 101 firm A350F orders from 14 customers. Those included major commitments from Atlas Air, AviLease, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Starlux Airlines, CMA CGM, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines and Air China Cargo.
With Air China Cargo’s additional four aircraft, the total A350F orderbook rises to 105 aircraft, based on Airbus’ April 2026 published figures and today’s announcement.
| Customer | A350F orders |
|---|---|
| Atlas Air | 20 |
| Air China Cargo | 10 |
| AviLease | 10 |
| Etihad Airways | 10 |
| Starlux Airlines | 10 |
| CMA CGM Air Cargo | 8 |
| Korean Air | 7 |
| Singapore Airlines | 7 |
| Cathay Pacific | 6 |
| Turkish Airlines | 5 |
| Silk Way West Airlines | 4 |
| Air France | 3 |
| Martinair | 3 |
| MNG Airlines Cargo | 2 |
| Total | 105 |
The growing customer base is a positive sign for Airbus as it strives to challenge Boeing’s grip on the large freighter market.
The A350F is now in final assembly, with the first aircraft structurally coming together ahead of a planned first flight in 2026 and entry into service in 2027.
Featured image: Airbus
