Airbus predicts that the Asia-Pacific region will account for 25 percent of global demand for 1,490 widebody freight aircraft above the 40-tonne segment over the next 20 years. The company anticipates demand for 400 widebody freighters in the region, including new-builds and conversions.
The Franco-German manufacturer believes it occupies a strong position to tap into the demand with its A350F, Crawford Hamilton, Airbus head of freighter marketing, said during the Singapore Airshow.
“As the world’s only all-new freighter, the A350F will be a step change in efficiency in competitive cargo markets,” he said. “It will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40 percent compared with the previous generation 747F and is the first freighter offered today that will meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards in 2027.”
Capable of carrying a payload of up to 111 tonnes, the A350F can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles, capable of serving all major cargo markets including Hong Kong to Anchorage.
Airbus also pointed out that more than 70 percent of the airframe consists of advanced materials, providing a 46-tonne lighter takeoff weight than other comparable freighters.
Airbus expects to begin production on the first A350F fuselage sections in the coming months with the freighter variant set to enter service in 2026.