Cathay Group orders two more Airbus A350F freighters
On 27 May 2026 in Toulouse, Hong Kong's Cathay Group placed a firm order with Airbus for two additional A350F freighters, bringing its total order for the type to eight aircraft. The planes will be operated by the Cathay Cargo freight division as part of its extensive transport network.
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Airbus announced the deal on 27 May 2026 in Toulouse. According to the manufacturer, it is a firm contract that builds on Cathay Group's earlier commitment to the A350F, expanding it to a total of eight aircraft.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said the additional A350Fs will strengthen connectivity at the home hub and expand the offering for customers. He described the order as a future-focused investment, citing confidence in the group's long-term growth and Cathay Cargo's goal of becoming the world's best air cargo carrier.
Speaking for Airbus, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Sales, called the order a further sign of Cathay's confidence in the A350F, which he said delivers a new generation of cargo capacity and efficiency. He noted the aircraft will integrate smoothly into the carrier's existing fleet thanks to high operational and technical commonality with other Airbus types, while also helping to decarbonise operations.
- Range
- up to 8,700 km
- Payload
- up to 111 tonnes
- Weight saving
- 46 tonnes vs. competitors
- Fuel/CO2 reduction
- up to 20%
- Engines
- Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97
- Total A350F orders
- 101 as of end of April 2026
- Number of customers
- 14 worldwide
Airbus describes the A350F as the most advanced freighter on the market, designed to meet the growing demands of global air cargo transport. Given its range and payload, it can be deployed on long intercontinental routes. Built from more than 70% advanced materials, the aircraft is, according to the manufacturer, 46 tonnes lighter than competing aircraft.
Power comes from Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which are expected to cut fuel burn and CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared with the previous generation of aircraft in a similar category. Airbus adds that it is the only new freighter aircraft to meet ICAO emissions standards effective from 2027 right from entry into service.
According to the manufacturer, the A350F will be able to fly with a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend of up to 50% at entry into service, with the aim of reaching up to 100% SAF capability by 2030, in line with other Airbus aircraft.
Airbus emphasises that the A350F belongs to the family of the most modern widebody aircraft and shares a high degree of commonality with the passenger A350, bringing benefits to carriers that already operate the type.