The first components for the new Airbus A350F freighter have arrived at the manufacturer’s factory in Hamburg. This is section 19, which is located at the end of the fuselage and is connected to the rear of the aircraft. The structural element was manufactured at the Airbus plant in Getafe, Spain, and flown to Hamburg on board an Airbus Beluga freighter.
This means that the freighter is finally gaining speed following a series of delays. However, its entry into service will not happen before Q3 of 2027. Airbus announced at the presentation of its 2024 annual results, as the production of a new aircraft variant involves ongoing safety and performance checks during production, as well as extensive flight, instrument and material tests in different weather conditions and climatic regions, as demanded by EASA, FAA and other regulators. Initially the freighter was scheduled to enter service in 2026, but this plan was postponed. Airbus had cited supply chain issues, specifically related to aircraft parts provided by manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems of Wichita, Kansas.
Extremely large hatch
The Airbus A350F is based on the A350-1000 and has a maximum take-off weight of 319 tons. To optimize the aircraft’s center of gravity, the fuselage section in front of the wings is slightly shortened compared to the passenger version A350-1000. With a cargo hatch of 4445mm (width) and 4305mm (height) the hatch surpasses the nose and side doors of the B747-400F, and it is 15% wider than the door of Boeing’s Triple Seven freighter. These dimensions allow for the loading of oversized and bulky items such as aircraft turbines without the need for disassembly. This sets a new standard in the freighter market, states Airbus.
All animals fit in, except for giraffes
Thanks to the altitude of the main deck compartment (183 cm / 6,000 feet) live animals like cows, horses or other large quadrupeds can be easily accommodated. The aircraft is powered by the Rolls Royce built Trent XWB-97, reducing fuel burn by 40% compared to competitive models and lowering noise emissions by 30 db, according to a performance overview from the manufacturer. The freighter can accommodate 111 tons per flight and offers a range of 8,700 km (4,700 nm) allowing nonstop services between Frankfurt and Delhi or Paris-Atlanta, for instance.
50% market share targeted
The A350F and its passenger sister, the A350-1000, share 100% commonality in engine spares and tooling which enables operators to optimize their maintenance efforts and cut down inventory costs. With 99% commonality in airframe tools and 98% in spares, the need for additional investment is significantly minimized. This extensive commonality simplifies fleet management and enhances profitability, enabling airlines to make the most of their existing resources while maintaining a streamlined, cost-effective operation across the A350 family, applauds Airbus. “In the medium term, we want to achieve a global market share of at least 50 percent for large freighters in the A350F category,” a leading Airbus representative told CargoForwarder Global.
Recently, however, Air France-KLM reduced its firm order of formerly eight A350F to six. This decision was taken following a strategic review of its cargo fleet, explains management. The missing capacity of around 220 tons is to be compensated for by the growth of the passenger widebody fleet, which can accommodate containers and pallets in its lower deck compartments.
