• Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement for six Airbus A350F aircraft, becoming the first operator in mainland China to order the new-generation freighter. The carrier said the A350F will strengthen operational efficiency, streamline maintenance and enhance long-term resilience across its global network.
• Airbus highlighted the aircraft’s increased capacity, loading flexibility and performance, noting that integration into Air China Cargo’s operations will support the airline’s ongoing fleet modernisation.
• Based in Beijing, Air China Cargo is China’s only national-flag cargo airline, operating freighter services across North, East, South and Southwest China, with 25 international all-cargo routes and more than 1,500 global trucking connections.
• The A350F, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, offers up to 111 tonnes payload, a range of 8,700 km and as much as 40 percent lower fuel burn and emissions compared with older models. Its design includes over 70 percent advanced materials, making it 46 tonnes lighter than competing freighters. It also features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door and is the only freighter fully compliant with ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards.

Air China Cargo Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as “Air China Cargo”) has signed a purchase agreement for six A350F becoming the first customer to order the all-new A350F in the Chinese mainland.

“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”, said Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo.

“We are delighted to welcome Air China Cargo as the latest customer for the A350F. 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”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

Air China Cargo, headquartered in Beijing, is China’s only cargo airline that carries the national flag. Since June 2025, the airline has been operating all cargo aircraft in North China, East China, South China, and Southwest China. It has also opened 25 all-cargo routes to major regions and cities around the world, including Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. The airline’s dedicated freighter and passenger belly network is further supplemented by more than 1,500 global ground trucking routes.

Engineered as the world’s most advanced freighter aircraft, the A350F is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global air cargo market (Express, general cargo, special cargo, etc.). It will carry up to 111 tonnes and cover a range of 8,700 km. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it will offer up to 40% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F will be 46 tonnes lighter than competitors and will feature the industry’s largest main deck cargo door. It is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards and by the time it enters service it will be 50% SAF capable, with a target for 100% by 2030. Currently, the assembly of test aircraft in Toulouse is underway.

At the end of October 2025, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 74 for the all-new A350F from 12 customers.