Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has placed the largest order so far for Airbus’ next-generation A350 freighter aircraft, marking a move away from a Boeing-dominated widebody fleet.
The New York-based lessor and operator has placed a “landmark” order for a total of 20 of the aircraft, with options for 20 more of the model.
Atlas said that it had secured early delivery positions for the next-generation aircraft, with deliveries due to begin in 2029 and be completed in 2034.
The model will support “strategic expansion and broaden Atlas’ fleet offerings for its customers across global cargo and charter markets, offering strong payload-range capability and fuel efficiency”.
Atlas Air Worldwide chief executive Michael Steen highlighted the current age of the global widebody freighter fleet, an issue he has highlighted in the past.
“As retirements of older widebody freighters accelerate, the large widebody freighter market will remain constrained, with limited new capacity entering the market,” said Steen.
“This strategic investment reinforces our long-term confidence in global airfreight demand, and positions Atlas to meet that demand and support future growth.”
He added that Atlas was “proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F”.
“This order reflects our commitment to maintaining the industry’s most modern and fuel-efficient widebody freighter fleet to best serve existing and new customers worldwide.
“The A350F is a highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits, and a strong sustainability profile.”
As well as adding Airbus aircraft to the fleet, the move will also add Rolls-Royce to the company’s supplier base, “offering optionality and supporting our global operations and continued growth”.
The order marks a move away from Boeing, which currently dominates the Atlas fleet of 113 aircraft made up of Boeing 747s, 777s, and 767s.
Airbus chief executive of commercial aircraft Lars Wagner added: “Atlas Air’s selection of the latest generation A350F – the first in the US – represents a pivotal moment, cementing the A350F’s position as the preferred true all-new-generation freighter for the world’s most demanding cargo operators. We very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colours.”
One of the main selling points of the A350F is its large maindeck cargo door and fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46-tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative.
The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.
