Atlas Air Worldwide has placed a firm order for 20 Airbus A350F freighters, making it the largest order yet for the aircraft and positioning Atlas Air Worldwide as the biggest customer for the type.

The aircraft will support Atlas Air Worldwide’s fleet growth strategy, with the outsourced aviation logistics provider planning to deploy the next-generation freighters across its global operations.

Michael Steen, chief executive of Atlas Air Worldwide, said: “We are proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F, securing early delivery positions for this next-generation widebody freighter platform.

“This order reflects our commitment to maintaining the industry’s most modern and fuel-efficient widebody freighter fleet to best service 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.”

Airbus said the order marks a significant milestone for the A350F programme and highlights growing demand for new-generation cargo aircraft.

Lars Wagner, chief executive of commercial aircraft at Airbus, said: “Atlas Air’s selection of the latest generation A350F – the first in the US – 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.”

The A350F has been designed around standard industry pallets and containers and features what Airbus says is the largest main deck cargo door in the industry.

More than 70% of the airframe is made from advanced materials, resulting in a take-off weight 46 tonnes lighter than competing derivative freighters.

The aircraft is also expected to fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO2 emissions standards set to come into force in 2027.

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