Air France-KLM has confirmed a firm order for four Airbus A350Fs, following the earlier commitment in December 2021, but now with purchase rights for an additional four aircraft.
These aircraft will be operated by Air France and be based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, the airline’s global hub, equipped with a state-of-art 14,000 sq m cargo terminal.
These aircraft will increase Air France’s cargo capacity, which currently consists of 2 Boeing 777F, supplementing the belly capacity of the airline’s 100+ wide-body passenger aircraft.
The Airbus A350F full freighter provides the most advanced technology and efficiency standards. Compared to previous generation aircraft, it offers 11% more volume while enabling a 15% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, notably thanks to its reduced weight and efficient Rolls Royce engines.
Air France-KLM will be among the launch operators of the A350F full freighter.
This order comes with full substitution rights to Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, which constitute the new flagship of Air France’s long-haul fleet. The airline currently operates 15 of the 38 aircraft of the type on order.
As of December 31, 2021, Air France-KLM operated a fleet of 505 aircraft to over 300 destinations worldwide.
“This order embodies Air France-KLM’s determination to strengthen its position on the buoyant cargo business”, said Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM.
“The Airbus A350 passenger version has been instrumental to the improvement of our economic and environmental performance, while proving to be a passenger’s favorite.
“We are thrilled to be among the launch customers of its freighter version, which will significantly increase our capacity and give us the means to continue to provide the best service to our customers around the world.”
The A350F is based on the world’s most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations.
Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 over its current closest competitor.
With a 109 tonnes payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo) and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced ICAO CO2 emissions standards.
“Airlines now have a choice, and we salute Air France joining those going for the A350Fs step change in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
“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.”
Launched in 2021, the A350F recorded 29 orders and commitments from five customers.
