Air China Cargo Co., Ltd. (shortened as “Air China Cargo”) has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for six A350F freighter aircraft, becoming the first airline in mainland China to order the new-generation A350F. This strategic move is considered an important part of the company’s long-term fleet renewal plan aimed at enhancing its competitiveness in the global air cargo market.
Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo, said the following about the agreement:
“The addition of the A350F to our current mixed freighter fleet will provide significant efficiency in operations and maintenance. The A350F will enhance Air China Cargo’s resilience against risks in its long-term and stable operations, contributing to preparing our fleet for the future.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Commercial Aircraft Executive Vice President Sales, expressed his satisfaction with Air China Cargo joining the A350F family, stating:
“We are delighted to welcome Air China Cargo as the newest customer of the A350F. The A350F offers new-generation efficiency, high operational performance, increased capacity, and unparalleled loading flexibility. We look forward to seeing the aircraft seamlessly integrated into Air China Cargo’s operations.”
Air China Cargo’s Global Operations Expand
Based in Beijing, Air China Cargo is the only cargo airline bearing China’s national flag. As of June 2025, the airline operates all cargo flights across North China, East China, South China, and Southwest China with its own fleet.
The company also operates 25 full freighter routes extending to key destinations in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, supported by an extensive dedicated cargo and passenger transport network with more than 1,500 global road feeder service routes.
A350F: The New-Generation Freighter
Developed as the world’s most modern freighter aircraft, the A350F is designed to meet the growing demands of the global air cargo market:
- 111 tonnes maximum payload
- 8,700 km range
- Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines
- Up to 40% fuel and CO₂ savings compared to previous generations
- Over 70% of its structure made from advanced composite materials
- 46 tonnes lighter than its competitors
- The industry’s widest main deck cargo door
- The only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards
- 50% SAF compatibility upon entry into service (target: 100% SAF by 2030)
Assembly of the A350F test aircraft is underway at Airbus’ Toulouse facility.
A350 Family Sets Records
As of the end of October 2025, the new-generation widebody A350 Family has received a total of 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide. Of these orders, 74 consist of A350F freighter models preferred by 12 customers.
