At the start of this month, CargoForwarder Global reported on the completion of the first A350F wingset. Now Airbus has announced that MNG Airlines is among the airlines interested in operating this pioneering freighter type. The Turkish airline, which has a strong focus on e-commerce and global logistics, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of two “all new A350F”. The release does not reveal when they will be delivered to MNG, however the airline can look forward to “the world’s most advanced freighter aircraft” with its payload of up to 111 tons and a range of 8,700 km. Its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines ensure far more efficient operations (they will be 50% SAF capable initially, rising to 100% in 2030, and allow for a reduction of up to 40% in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft). It is also around 46 tons lighter than its counterparts, given that it is “made of over 70% advanced materials”. Add the fact that it “will feature the industry’s largest main deck cargo door” and is the only freighter to fully meet ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards, and it is clear that MNG is onto a winner.
Murathan Doruk Günal, CEO of Mapa Group and Chairman of MNG Airlines, commented: “This agreement for two A350F deepens a partnership with Airbus across its full range of freighter programs. This move strengthens our position across key trade lanes, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and a growing footprint in North America. It will support both our scheduled and charter operations and give us added flexibility to meet evolving cargo demands, from e-commerce to high-value freight and express logistics.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “We are delighted to welcome MNG Airlines as the latest customer for the A350F, underscoring the strong market appeal for this game-changing freighter. The A350F will bring new generation efficiency and performance as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into MNG’s operations.”
