Until now, Atlas Air’s fleet has consisted exclusively of Boeing freighters – particularly the B747-400F and its successor, the B747-8F. However, this will change come 2029. That is when the U.S. lessor will receive the first of the 20 A350 freighters it recently commissioned – a jetliner that is still in development. The landmark order, which was announced on 17MAR26, includes an option for 20 additional units of this aircraft variant. With Atlas Air on board, Airbus is in a position to poach market share from Boeing. Neither party disclosed the value of the deal.
It is an ambitious undertaking. The European aircraft manufacturer, for whom building cargo aircraft only played a minor role for decades, aims to achieve a market share of more than 50% in the large freighter segment. The start of this journey has been somewhat rocky. Plans to build an A380 freighter were stopped in 2007, after FedEx. Emirates, UPS and lessor, ILFC, canceled their orders. Next attempt to step into the freighter market was the A330-200F which first took off in 2010. Yet only 38 units have been sold and delivered to date.
The odds for the A350F are good
The latest candidate, the A350F, now appears to provide the necessary requirements to propel Airbus forward in the large freighter segment and position it ahead of Boeing. And the odds are good.
Atlas Air’s decision to buy 20 A350F aircraft demonstrates that this expectation is not unfounded. It is the largest order for this aircraft to date, placed by a single customer. The A350F promises 30% lower fuel consumption compared to previous variants, and it can transport 111 tons of payload nonstop over a distance of 8,700 km.
“Most modern and fuel-efficient large freighter,” Steen
“We are proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F, securing early delivery positions for this next generation widebody freighter platform,” Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide, announced. The executive went on to say: “This order reflects our commitment to maintaining the industry’s most modern and fuel-efficient widebody freighter fleet to best serve existing and new customers worldwide. The A350F is a highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits, and a strong sustainability profile. We are pleased to add Airbus and Rolls-Royce to our supplier base of leading aircraft and engine manufacturers, offering us optionality and supporting our global operations and continued growth.”
Fewer CO2 emissions
The aircraft features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimized around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46-ton lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.
Atlas Air’s order comes amid a boom in the cargo sector. Global e-commerce growth and shifts in supply chains are driving airlines to invest in efficient fleets. Older aircraft are being phased out and replaced with new, more efficient, and less fuel-thirsty models. However, manufacturers are struggling to meet market demand with new aircraft in a timely manner, meaning that demand currently exceeds available supply.
First Airbus freighter to fly in Atlas livery
“We are excited to welcome Atlas Air Worldwide, a global leader of the air cargo industry, to the Airbus family,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “Atlas Air’s selection of the latest generation A350F – the first in the U.S. – represents a pivotal moment, cementing the A350F’s position as the preferred true all new-generation freighter for the world’s most demanding cargo operators. We very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colors.”
