the air group Air France-KLM completed a firm order with Airbus for four freighters A350Fand additional acquisition rights for 4 additional devices† The future aircraft are intended to increase Air France’s cargo capacity with “the most efficient and durable cargo aircraft available on the market”.
Following the letter of intent of last december, which was accompanied by an order for up to 160 repowered single-speed aircraft for KLM and Transavia, the Franco-Dutch group completed the purchase of four A350Fs on April 12, 2022. This order comes with conversion rights, making it possible to order Airbus A350s in passenger configuration instead of A350F Cargo. The Airbus A350 “is the new spearhead of Air France’s long-haul fleet”, which currently operates 15 of the 38 A350-900 orders.
“In the context of continued and sustainable growth in air cargo demand,” the Air France-KLM Group emphasizes that it will continue to strengthen its global network around the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs. These new aircraft “will increase Air France’s cargo capacity, which currently consists of 2 Boeing 777F Cargo Ship and comes next holding capacity of the company’s approximately 100 long-haul aircraft that carry passengers”.
As of December 31, 2021, Air France-KLM was operating a fleet of 505 aircraft to more than 300 destinations worldwide. † This order reflects Air France-KLM’s determination to: strengthen someone’s position in the vibrant air freight market said group director Benjamin Smith. † The passenger version of the Airbus A350 has played a key role in improving our economic and environmental performance, while winning the favor of our customers. We are excited to be one of the launch companies for its cargo version, which will greatly increase our capacity and give us the resources to continue to provide the best service to our customers around the world. †
The A350F, expected to enter service 2025is based on the A350, “the most modern long-haul aircraft in the world,” according to the Airbus press release. The aircraft will have a large cargo door on the main deck and a fuselage length optimized for cargo operations. More than 70% of the airframe is made from advanced materials, resulting in a lower takeoff weight of 30 tons, which, together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines, provides a benefit of at least 20% lower fuel consumption, fuel and CO2 emissions compared to the nearest competitor. With a payload of 109 tons (+3 tons payload / 11% more volume compared to the competition), the A350F serves all freight markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is the only new-generation cargo aircraft in the wide-body category that is ready for ICAO-enhanced CO₂ emissions standards.”
† Airlines now have a choice, and we are delighted that Air France has joined those who chose the A350F, which is a drastic change in terms of efficiency and sustainability for the freight operations of the future. We welcome the wave of early adopters who, like Air France, believe that the benefits and carbon footprint of the A350F stand out from other solutions, past, present and future. Thank you Air France said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and head of Airbus International.
Launched in 2021, the A350F registered 29 orders and pledges of five customers: Air France in other words, Etihad Airways† Singapore Airlines† CMA-CGMand the leasing company Air Lease Corporation (ALC).
©Airbus
