Air China Cargo Expands Airbus A350F Order to 10 Jets

‍TOULOUSE — Air China Cargo (CA) has signed a purchase agreement for four additional Airbus A350F freighters, increasing its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

The new agreement follows Air China Cargo’s initial order for six A350Fs in November 2025. Airbus said the additional aircraft will support the carrier’s fleet optimization, capacity growth, and long-term cargo development.

From option plan to full commitment

The order effectively completes the structure we previously covered in October, when Air China Cargo disclosed plans to acquire up to 10 A350Fs, with six firm aircraft and four additional options.

Airbus said Air China Cargo began introducing Airbus freighters at the end of 2023 and currently operates eight Airbus A330-200P2F converted freighters. The A350F will join that fleet for long-haul and medium-to-long-haul cargo routes, complementing the carrier’s A330 freighter operation.

A350F gains China cargo momentum

The A350F is Airbus’ new-generation large freighter, designed to carry up to 111 tonnes of payload over a range of up to 8,700 km. Airbus says the aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and offers up to 20% lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation freighters of similar payload-range capability.

Airbus also said the A350F is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emissions standards. The aircraft will be capable of operating with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel at entry into service, with Airbus targeting up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Why it matters

For Air China Cargo, the expanded order gives the carrier a more modern long-haul freighter platform as Chinese cargo demand remains tied to cross-border e-commerce, manufacturing exports, and global supply-chain flows.

For Airbus, the deal strengthens the A350F’s position in a market long dominated by Boeing widebody freighters. The program had registered 101 orders from 14 customers by the end of April 2026, according to Airbus, and Air China Cargo’s move adds an important mainland Chinese customer to that orderbook.

The strategic takeaway is that this is no longer just an expression of intent or a partial order. Air China Cargo has now moved to a 10-aircraft A350F commitment, positioning the freighter as a central part of its next long-haul cargo fleet cycle.