Air China Cargo is preparing to order six Airbus A350F freighters, making it the first airline from mainland China to purchase the new-generation cargo aircraft.
According to a filing by Air China’s cargo subsidiary on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the deal includes six firm orders and four optional aircraft. Deliveries are expected to take place between 2029 and 2031.
Based on the aircraft’s list price of USD 465 million, the total value of the 10-aircraft agreement amounts to approximately USD 4.65 billion, although the company confirmed that it has secured a significant discount from Airbus.
In a statement, Air China Cargo said:
“This transaction aligns with the company’s development plan and market demand. It will optimize our fleet structure and support long-term capacity renewal.”
The airline’s current fleet consists of eight Airbus A330-200Fs, three Boeing 747-400Fs, and 13 Boeing 777Fs, for a total of 24 freighters.
To date, Airbus has received 72 orders for the A350F, with first delivery expected by late 2027. However, due to supplier delays, the manufacturer has postponed the delivery schedule several times. Cathay Cargo, based in Hong Kong, has also ordered six A350Fs.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F features a fuselage made of 70% advanced composite materials. Airbus claims the aircraft will be 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 777 and 747-400 freighters, and 50 tons lighter than Boeing’s upcoming 777X Freighter.
With a payload capacity of 120 tons and a range of 4,700 nautical miles, the A350F will also feature the largest main-deck cargo door in the industry, improving loading efficiency and operational flexibility.
