PARIS – Air France-KLM Group has confirmed it will cut its Airbus A350F order, reducing total commitment to six aircraft following Airbus’s confirmation of the A350 Freighter's delayed entry into service.

As of now, Air France (AF) would receive three Airbus A350 freighters, and the remaining three would be operated by Air France-KLM Group’s Netherlands-based subsidiary, Martinair Cargo (MP). 

Both carriers initially ordered four aircraft each, but due to production delays, the number of ordered aircraft was revised to balance future expenditure with operational efficiency.

Future of Air France-KLM Group Cargo Operation 

Group remains committed to a mixed cargo fleet combining freighters and aircraft with belly hold capacity. New A350 freighters will eventually replace Boeing 777-200F in Air France and Boeing 747-400F in KLM and Martinair.

At the moment, Air France-KLM operates 2 Boeing 777F and 4 Boeing 747F aircraft. Leases on current aircraft could be extended to ensure continuous cargo operations until delivery of new A350 freighters. 

A350F Order Cancellations 

In addition to the Air France-KLM group, launch customer Air Lease Corporation entirely cancelled its order for seven Airbus A350 freighters. Apart from production delays, the aircraft lesser expressed growing caution on the large-scale freighters market and the uncertain tariff and trade environment.