Etihad Airways has firmed up its order with Airbus for seven new generation A350F freighters as it looks to meet ongoing cargo demand growth, following its earlier commitment announced at the Singapore Airshow.
Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “In building one of the world’s youngest and most sustainable fleets, we are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Airbus to add the A350 freighter to our fleet. This additional cargo capacity will support the unprecedented growth we are experiencing in the Etihad Cargo division. Airbus has developed a remarkable fuel-efficient aircraft that, in tandem with the A350-1000 in our passenger fleet, supports our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
The freighters will upgrade Etihad’s freight capacity by deploying the most efficient cargo aircraft available in the market. This order of the A350F sees the national carrier of the UAE expanding its relationship with Airbus, and adding to its existing order of the largest passenger version of A350-1000s, five of which have been delivered. Etihad Cargo achieved a year-on-year percent compared to H1 2021, contributing 35 percent of the group’s operating revenue, it announced earlier this week.
“This new generation large freighter brings unprecedented and unmatched benefits in terms of range, fuel efficiency, and CO₂ savings, that support customers by enhancing operational efficiencies at the same time as reducing environmental impact.” The 109-tonne capacity aircraft features a large main-deck cargo door, with its fuselage length and capacity-optimized around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
“Airbus is delighted to extend its long-standing partnership with Etihad Airways, who recently introduced the A350 passenger services and is continuing to build on the Family with the game-changing freighter version, the A350F,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “This new generation large freighter brings unprecedented and unmatched benefits in terms of range, fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide savings, that support customers by enhancing operational efficiencies at the same time as reducing environmental impact.”
More than 70% of the airframe of the A350F is made of advanced materials; resulting in a 30-tonne lighter take-off weight and generating at least 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions over its current closest competitor. The A350F fully meets ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards coming into effect in 2027. Including today’s commitment, the A350F has won 31 firm orders from six customers. The A350F meets the imminent wave of large freighter replacements and the evolving environmental requirements, shaping the future of airfreight. The A350F will be powered by the latest technology, fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
