Air China Cargo has ordered six Airbus A350Fs, becoming the first carrier in the Chinese mainland to select the new-generation widebody freighter as it continues to modernise its global cargo operations.

Announcing the deal, Wang Hongyan, vice president of Air China Cargo, said: “The introduction of the A350F to our existing mixed cargo fleet contributes to efficiency in operation and maintenance. The A350F will enhance Air China Cargo’s capability to withstand risks in its long-term stable operation.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus executive vice president of sales, commercial aircraft, said: “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 Air China Cargo’s operation.”

Headquartered in Beijing, Air China Cargo is the country’s only national-flag cargo airline. Since June 2025, it has operated dedicated freighters across North, East, South and Southwest China, while serving 25 all-cargo routes worldwide spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Its network is supported by more than 1,500 global trucking routes.

The A350F has been engineered as Airbus’ most advanced freighter to date, offering a payload of up to 111 tonnes and a range of 8,700km.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft is expected to deliver up to 40% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared with previous-generation freighters.

More than 70% of its structure is built from advanced materials, making it 46 tonnes lighter than competing platforms, and it features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door.

The aircraft meets ICAO’s 2027 CO2 standards in full and will enter service capable of operating with 50% SAF, with a pathway to 100% by 2030. Assembly of the first test aircraft is already under way in Toulouse.

As of the end of October 2025, the A350 family had accumulated 1,445 orders from 63 customers, including 74 for the A350F from 12 operators.

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