Cathay Group Adds Two Airbus A350F Freighters, Increasing Order to Eight

TOULOUSE — Cathay Group has placed a firm order for two additional Airbus A350F freighters, increasing its total commitment for the new-generation cargo aircraft to eight aircraft.

The aircraft will be operated by Cathay Cargo (CX), the group’s cargo division, and will support the carrier’s long-term freighter renewal strategy from its Hong Kong (HKG) hub. Airbus said the additional order is intended to bring greater efficiency across Cathay Cargo’s network.

Cathay double downs onA350F bet

The order builds on Cathay’s initial December 2023 commitment for six A350Fs. At the time, Cathay also secured the right to acquire up to 20 additional aircraft, giving the group flexibility to expand the future freighter fleet beyond the first batch.

Airways previously covered Cathay Cargo’s initial A350F order, which marked a major fleet-renewal decision for an operator historically associated with Boeing 747 freighters.

Cathay Cargo currently operates a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, including 14 747-8Fs and six 747-400ERFs, while also using belly-hold capacity across the Cathay Group passenger network.

Replacing the 747-400ERF era

The A350F order is strategically important because Cathay Cargo’s oldest 747 freighters will eventually need replacement. The A350F gives the Hong Kong carrier a twin-engine long-haul freighter with lower fuel burn, lower emissions, and a more modern operating profile than previous-generation four-engine freighters.

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

The manufacturer also said the A350F is the only new 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.

The A350F era is upon us

For Cathay Cargo, the additional A350Fs reinforce a long-term cargo strategy centered on Hong Kong (HKG), one of the world’s most important air-freight gateways. The move gives the carrier more flexibility as it prepares for the next phase of fleet renewal while preserving long-haul cargo capability.

For Airbus, the order adds another endorsement for the A350F in a freighter market long dominated by Boeing widebodies. Airbus said the A350F had registered 101 firm orders from 14 customers by the end of April 2026.

The broader takeaway is that Cathay is not making a symbolic order. By moving from six to eight A350Fs, the group is gradually building a real replacement path for older 747 freighters while keeping Hong Kong central to its long-haul cargo network.