Air France-KLM has firmed up their order for four Airbus A350F freighters originally announced in December 2021. The aircraft will expand Air France’s dedicated cargo fleet with efficient and sustainable capacity.
On Tuesday (April 12, 2022), Airbus announced that Air France-KLM has confirmed their order for four Airbus A350F freighters, which was originally announced in December 2021. The Airbus A350F is based on the long-haul Airbus A350 Family of widebody passenger aircraft and will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimized for freight operations. With over 70 percent of the airframe constructed from advanced materials, the aircraft has a reduced takeoff weight of 30 tonnes. When combined with fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines, the A350F will deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions versus the competition.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, Christian Scherer, said,
“Airlines now have a choice, and we salute Air France joining those going for the A350F’s step change in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future. We are gratified by the wave of early adopters who, like Air France, see the economics and environmental signature of the A350s as standing out versus alternatives, past, existing and future. Merci Air France.”
The Airbus A350F freighter has a payload capacity of 109 tonnes, an increase of three tonnes or 11 percent more volume compared to its nearest competitor. Additionally, the aircraft is the only new generation freighter prepared for the enhanced ICAO CO2 emissions standards. Launched in 2021, the A350F has already received 29 orders and commitments from five customers.
Source: Airbus