Air China Cargo orders six A350Fs, first in mainland China

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement for six A350F aircraft, becoming the first mainland Chinese customer to order Airbus’s all-new freighter.

“The introduction of the A350F to our existing mixed cargo fleet contributes to efficiency in operation and maintenance. The A350F will enhance Air China Cargo's capability to withstand risks in its long-term stable operation,” says Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo.

“We are delighted to welcome Air China Cargo as the latest customer for the A350F. The A350F will bring new generation efficiency and performance, as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into Air China Cargo’s operation,” says Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

Air China Cargo, headquartered in Beijing, is the only cargo airline in China that carries the national flag. Since June 2025, it has been operating all-cargo aircraft across North China, East China, South China, and Southwest China. The airline has also launched 25 dedicated freighter routes connecting major regions and cities worldwide, including the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The airline’s dedicated freighter and passenger belly network is further supplemented by more than 1,500 global ground trucking routes.

Engineered as the world's most advanced freighter aircraft, the A350F is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global air cargo market (Express, general cargo, special cargo, etc.). It will carry up to 111 tonnes and cover a range of 8,700 km. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it will offer up to 40% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F will be 46 tonnes lighter than competitors and will feature the industry's largest main deck cargo door. It is the only freighter fully meeting the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) 2027 CO₂ standards, and by the time it enters service, it will be 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) capable, with a target for 100% by 2030. Currently, the assembly of test aircraft in Toulouse is underway.

At the end of October 2025, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 74 for the all-new A350F from 12 customers.

Korean Air has recently become an A350F customer, converting seven of its A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders into the freighter variant.