Air China Cargo has become a new A350F freighter customer

• Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement for six Airbus A350F aircraft, becoming the first operator in mainland China to order the new generation freighter. The carrier said the A350F will enhance operational efficiency, simplify maintenance and enhance long-term resilience across its global network.
• Airbus highlighted the aircraft’s increased capacity, loading flexibility and performance, noting that integration with Air China Cargo operations will support the continuous modernization of the company’s fleet.
• Headquartered in Beijing, Air China Cargo is China’s only national cargo carrier, operating cargo services across northern, eastern, southern and southwestern China, with 25 all-cargo international routes and more than 1,500 trucking routes globally.
• Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F offers a payload of up to 111 tonnes, a range of up to 8,700 kilometres, and a 40 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to older models. Its design includes more than 70 percent advanced materials, making it 46 tons lighter than competing cargo ships. It also features the largest main cargo door in the industry and is the only cargo ship fully compliant with ICAO 2027 CO2 standards.

Air China Cargo Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “Air China Cargo”) has signed a purchase agreement for six A350F aircraft, becoming the first customer to order the all-new A350F in mainland China.

Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo, said: “Introducing the A350F to our existing mixed freighter fleet contributes to efficient operation and maintenance. The A350F will enhance Air China Cargo’s risk tolerance in its long-term stable operations.”

“We are delighted to welcome Air China Cargo as the latest A350F customer. The A350F will deliver a new generation of 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 operations,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Commercial Aircraft Sales at Airbus.

Air China Cargo, headquartered in Beijing, is the only Chinese cargo airline to fly the national flag. Since June 2025, the airline has been operating all freighters in North China, East China, South China and Southwest China. It has also opened 25 all-freight routes to major regions and cities around the world, including the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. The company’s freight and passenger network is completed by more than 1,500 global trucking routes.

Designed to be the world’s most advanced freighter, the A350F has been designed to meet the evolving needs of the global air freight market (express, general freight, special freight, etc.). It will carry up to 111 tons and cover a range of up to 8,700 kilometres. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it will save up to 40% on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Made from more than 70% advanced materials, the A350F will be 46 tonnes lighter than competitors and have the largest main cargo door in the industry. It is the only cargo ship to fully meet the ICAO 2027 CO2 standards, and by the time it enters service, it will be capable of 50% SAF utilization, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2030. Currently, the experimental aircraft are being assembled in Toulouse.

At the end of October 2025, the latest generation of the wide-body A350 family won 1,445 orders from 63 customers around the world, including 74 orders for the all-new A350F from 12 customers.

Air China Cargo becomes a new customer for the A350F freighter, making its debut at Air Cargo Week.