Airbus, the European multinational aerospace corporation, has projected a strong demand for widebody freighters in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region over the next two decades.
The forecast, announced at the Singapore Airshow, anticipates a need for approximately 400 widebody freighters, including new-builds and conversions. This accounts for over 25% of the global demand for 1,490 widebody freight aircraft in the above 40-tonne segment.
Crawford Hamilton, Airbus Head of Freighter Marketing, stated that the company is well-positioned to meet a significant portion of this demand with the all-new A350F.
Hamilton said:
[The A350F] will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% compared with the previous generation 747F and is the first freighter offered today that will meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards in 2027.
He added that the A350F is the first freighter offered today that will meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) enhanced CO₂ emissions standards in 2027.
The A350F, capable of flying up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers), can serve all major cargo markets, including the world’s biggest freight route between Hong Kong and Anchorage.
The next-generation freighter can carry a payload of up to 111 tons and features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door, which is 15% wider compared to the competition. This allows for the transportation of large engines.
Moreover, Airbus boasts that over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46-tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative.
Hamilton further noted that with APAC set to become the largest region for international trade over the next two decades, the A350F is perfectly tailored to improve the operations of the carriers by meeting diverse cargo demands while leading the charge towards a more sustainable future in air freight.
The A350F is set to enter service in 2026, with assembly of the first fuselage sections commencing in the coming months.
As of the end of January, the latest generation A350 family had won over 1,200 orders from 57 customers worldwide, including 50 for the A350F from nine leading cargo airlines.
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