Cathay Group has ordered two additional Airbus A350F freighters, increasing the Hong Kong-based group’s total order for the new widebody cargo aircraft to eight. The aircraft will be operated by Cathay Cargo, the group’s cargo division, which aims to use the new fleet to increase efficiency and capacity across its global network.
Cathay Group says the additional order represents a continuation of its investment in the future development of its cargo business and the strengthening of Hong Kong’s position as an important air cargo hub. Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, said the additional A350F aircraft will provide greater connectivity at the carrier’s home base and more choice for customers, while confirming the group’s long-term confidence in the growth of the air cargo market.
Airbus sees the order as another confirmation of the A350F’s market potential. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said the new freighter will fit well into Cathay’s existing Airbus fleet, particularly due to its operational and technical commonality with passenger members of the A350 family.
The A350F has been developed as a new-generation large freighter for long-haul operations. According to Airbus, the aircraft will offer a range of up to 8,700 kilometres with a payload of up to 111 tonnes, positioning it for international long-haul cargo routes. Its structure consists of more than 70 percent advanced materials, while Airbus says the A350F is 46 tonnes lighter than competing aircraft in a comparable category.
The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, with Airbus promising up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous-generation freighters with similar payload-range capability. The manufacturer also notes that the A350F is the only new freighter fully compliant with ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emissions standards.
At entry into service, the A350F will be capable of operating with up to 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel, SAF, while Airbus plans for all its aircraft to be capable of using up to 100 percent SAF by 2030. For operators already flying passenger A350 aircraft, an additional advantage should be the high level of commonality in systems, procedures and maintenance within the same aircraft family.
