Atlas Air places landmark order for Airbus A350 freighters

Atlas Air Worldwide has announced a major fleet expansion with an order for 20 Airbus A350 freighters, plus options for an additional 20. The deal makes Atlas Air the largest customer of Airbus’ new wide-body freighter programme, which is still in development and scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Michael Steen, CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, confirmed the order in an exclusive interview with The STAT Trade Times. Deliveries are expected between 2029 and 2034, marking a significant step in Atlas Air’s long-term growth strategy.

“This is a big milestone for us,” Steen said. “We are excited to add the A350 freighter to our fleet, which will complement our existing 747s, 777s, and 767s. With these aircraft, we will be operating across multiple platforms and expanding our capacity significantly.” The A350F is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.

Steen explained that Atlas Air had carefully evaluated both Airbus and Boeing options before making the decision. While Boeing’s 777-8 freighter was considered, the A350F offered earlier delivery slots, advanced technology, and environmental benefits.

“The A350F provides lower carbon emissions, reduced fuel burn, strong payload capability, and long range,” Steen said. “Importantly, we will get these aircraft earlier than we would have otherwise, which supports our growth plans.”

Despite industry-wide supply chain challenges, Steen expressed confidence in Airbus’ delivery schedule. “We feel good about the timeline we have been given. So far, we have no reason to believe the aircraft would not come in time,” he noted.

Atlas Air’s current fleet of 113 aircraft, including 747-400s with an average age of 24.5 years, will remain in service for the foreseeable future. Steen clarified that the A350Fs are intended to support growth rather than replace existing aircraft. “The first batch of deliveries will be for expansion. We do not have retirements planned in the near term,” he said.

Steen acknowledged that global uncertainties, including rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions, are affecting the cargo market. However, he remains optimistic about long-term demand. “Ocean freight disruptions are likely to drive more demand for air cargo. These assets will be in service for decades, and while there will be cycles, we expect demand to grow over time,” he said.

The deal underscores Atlas Air’s position as the world’s largest wide-body freighter operator and signals Airbus’ entry into the cargo market with a major customer. Steen emphasized that the decision followed more than two years of analysis, including input from customers.

“The larger cargo door, versatility for outsized cargo, and environmental benefits make the A350F a strong fit for our operations,” Steen said.

With this order, Atlas Air has taken a decisive step toward shaping its future fleet while giving Airbus a significant foothold in the global freighter market.

“We are proud to welcome Atlas, the leading global widebody freighter operator, to the Airbus family and are committed to a long-term partnership as Atlas introduces this new platform into its fleet,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, in an official statement. “The A350F delivers unmatched efficiency, performance and sustainability, and we very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colours.”

The A350F is the only freighter aircraft designed to fully comply with ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, which take effect in 2027. It features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised for standard pallets and containers. Built with advanced materials, the airframe achieves a lower take-off weight, improving efficiency and performance.

Atlas Air Worldwide is the world’s leader in outsourced aviation logistics. It is the parent of Atlas Air, Titan Aviation Holdings, and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide.

Building on the proven success and maturity of the A350 passenger aircraft family, the A350F is designed to deliver the same high level of operational reliability. This reliability is especially critical at a time when global supply chains depend on punctual and consistent deliveries.

Airbus has secured 81 firm orders for the A350F from 13 customers, including Etihad Cargo (10), Starlux (10), Avilease (10), CMA CGM (8), Korean Air (7), Singapore Airlines Cargo (7), Air China Cargo (6), Cathay Cargo (6), Turkish Cargo (5), Silk Way West Airlines (4), KLM Martinair Cargo (3), Air France Cargo (3), and MNG Airlines (2). The customer base spans combination carriers, dedicated cargo operators, leasing companies, and both established and emerging airlines.

By comparison, Boeing’s new production freighter, the 777-8F, has received 68 firm orders from seven customers.

The first A350 freighter is currently in final assembly and undergoing testing, while a second aircraft has entered the assembly phase, marking steady progress toward programme launch.