By Staff Correspondent
Airbus projects a need for around 400 widebody freighters in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) area over the next 20 years, including both new builds and conversions, due to the region’s rapid economic growth and active trade operations. More than a quarter of the world’s need for 1,490 widebody freight planes with a payload capacity of 40 tonnes is met by this.
Crawford Hamilton, Head of Freighter Marketing at Airbus, stated at the Singapore Airshow that the business is prepared to fulfill a significant portion of this demand with the brand-new A350F.
According to him, the A350F will revolutionize efficiency in competitive cargo markets as it is the only all-new freighter in the world. “The first freighter on the market today that will comply with ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards in 2027 will be this aircraft, and it will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by as much as 40% compared to the previous generation 747F.”
No other freighter on the market can compete with the A350F’s incredibly low operating costs while covering distances of up to 8,700 kilometers (4,700 nautical miles). That way, it can reach all the main cargo markets, including the one connecting Hong Kong and Anchorage, which is the largest freight route in the world.
With its biggest main deck cargo door, the A350F is capable of carrying payloads up to 111 tonnes. New big engine shipping is also possible with the A350F, thanks to its main deck cargo door that is 15% wider than competing models. A take-off weight that is 46 tonnes lower than the rival variant is a consequence of the use of modern materials, which make up more than 70% of the airframe.
“With APAC set to become the largest region for international trade over the next two decades, the A350F, with its step change in efficiency, market-matched capacity, and range, it is perfectly tailored to improve the operations of the carriers, by meeting diverse cargo demands while leading the charge towards a more sustainable future in air freight,” states Crawford Hamilton.
In keeping with the aircraft’s manufacturing schedule, the first A350F fuselage parts are scheduled to be assembled in the following months, with the aircraft scheduled to enter service in 2026.
More than fifty A350Fs were ordered by nine major freight airlines by the end of January, adding to the more than 1,200 orders received by the newest generation of A350 Family from 57 clients throughout the globe. With approximately 300 solid orders from 28 clients, the A330neo Family is continuing to build pace in the mid-size segment.
