Air China Cargo increases A350F order to ten aircraft
Air China Cargo has signed a contract with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, bringing the total number of aircraft of this type on order to ten. The Chinese carrier had already ordered six A350Fs back in November 2025.
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According to an Airbus press release dated 26 May 2026, this is an increase to the original order placed by Air China Cargo last autumn. The new contract for four aircraft brings the total number of A350Fs on order to ten.
Air China Cargo Vice President Wang Hongyan said the order increase is a strategic step to optimise the fleet and expand cargo capacity, which will help the company better respond to demand in the international air cargo market and lay the groundwork for the company's long-term stable development.
On behalf of Airbus, the decision was welcomed by Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Sales, who said the enlarged order confirms Air China Cargo's confidence in Airbus products and underlines the A350F's position as a new-generation freighter.
Air China Cargo began operating Airbus aircraft in late 2023 and currently flies eight A330-200P2Fs. According to Airbus, the new A350Fs are set to join the fleet in the near future and, together with the A330-200P2Fs, will make the most of the advantages on long-haul and medium-haul routes.
- A350F range
- up to 8,700 km
- Max. payload
- up to 111 tonnes
- Share of lightweight materials
- over 70%
- Weight reduction vs. competitors
- 46 tonnes
- Engines
- Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97
- Total A350F orders
- 101 units / 14 customers as of end of April 2026
Airbus states that thanks to advanced materials and the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F will cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared with the previous generation of aircraft with a comparable payload-range combination. According to the manufacturer, it is the only freighter that fully meets ICAO emissions standards effective from 2027.
Upon entry into service, the aircraft is expected to be able to fly with a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend of up to 50 percent, with Airbus aiming to achieve 100% SAF operating capability by 2030, as with its other aircraft.
Those interested in the development of the Chinese cargo carrier's fleet and the deployment of the new A350F on long-haul routes can follow updates on Air China Cargo and the A350F aircraft type on map.flights.