Martinair places order for four new A350F aircraft

Martinair places order for four new A350F aircraft

Martinair, part of the KLM Group, has placed a firm order with Airbus for four new A350F freighter aircraft. Martinair is the operating carrier for KLM Cargo. The four A350Fs emit over 40% less CO2 and make 50% less noise than their predecessors. The new aircraft will replace the current Boeing 747 freighters from the second half of 2026.

Read more: Air France KLM Martinair Cargo transfers 46 African spurred tortoises to Senegal for population reinforcement project

The A350F is the freighter version of the A350. It is fitted with an extra-large cargo deck. Lighter materials have been used wherever possible to keep take-off weight to a minimum. In combination with the efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, this considerably improves performance in terms of CO2 emissions and noise pollution. This aircraft is suitable for carrying a range of cargos, including fresh produce, express shipments, pharmaceuticals, horses and oversized cargo. The maximum payload of the chosen configuration is 108 tonnes.

“Fleet renewal is an important part of KLM’s ambition to become more sustainable. In this, we take our responsibility. We want to emit less CO2 because of the climate and reduce noise for local residents. The A350F reduces CO2 by over 40% and noise by 50% compared to their predecessors. That is why we decided to place this order earlier than originally planned. Instead of in 2027, we will replace the freighters from autumn 2026. We are accelerating KLM’s sustainability efforts with this,” Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, said.

Read more: Air France-KLM CO₂ emissions reduction targets for 2030 approved by the SBTi

“In choosing the A350F, we are taking an important step to cut CO2 emissions and noise pollution. I am very pleased with these new, technologically advanced aircraft joining the fleet, which fit well in the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo operation. For our customers, the versatility of the A350F is good news for the future. The new aircraft are an important addition, supplementing the belly capacity of our extensive intercontinental passenger fleet,” Adriaan den Heijer, Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Cargo and Managing Director of Martinair, said.

Picture of Edward Hardy

Edward Hardy

Having become a journalist after university, Edward Hardy has been a reporter and editor at some of the world's leading publications and news sites. In 2022, he became Air Cargo Week's Editor. Got news to share? Contact me on Edward.Hardy@AirCargoWeek.com

Newsletter

Stay informed. Stay ahead. To get the latest air cargo news and industry trends delivered directly to your inbox, sign up now!

related articles

e-commerce gets a lift as Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao strengthen partnership

ACS helps in largest ever rhino relocation conservation project

Avolon delivers first of 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft to Malaysia Aviation Group