US cargo airline Kalitta Air is reportedly the mystery customer behind the order for eight Airbus A350 freighters that was made in August.
Airbus had recorded the order in its August orders and deliveries data for the new generation model, but marked it as “undisclosed”.
According to Reuter’s sources, Kalitta Air placed the firm order. However, the Michigan-based cargo carrier has not confirmed the order.
“Kalitta Air is evaluating the Airbus A350F platform as part of our long-term fleet planning,” an airline spokesperson told Reuters.
“At this time, we remain in the evaluation phase and have no aircraft order to announce.”
Air Cargo News has contacted Kalitta Air for comment.
Kalitta Air has been expanding its fleet of freighters in recent years.
In 2025, aircraft lessor AerCap began delivering converted Boeing 777-300 freighters to launch operator Kalitta Air as part of a seven-aircraft order placed by the airline as it works to modernise its fleet and replace its ageing Boeing 747 freighters.
Aircraft tracking site Planespotters.net shows that all seven of the aircraft have now been delivered, joining a further eight production 777Fs, plus 19 Boeing 747-400s – a mix of production and converted aircraft.
Meanwhile, Airbus has now secured orders for 115 A350 freighters from at least 14 customers. The company has gained 34 orders for the A350F so far in 2026.
The aircraft manufacturer’s A350F prototype took off from Toulouse, France for its maiden flight on 29 August.
The A350F is now set to undertake a nine-month test and certification campaign, as Airbus targets simultaneous certification from EASA and the FAA under the latest Amendment 27 safety regulations.
The airframer said earlier this year that certification is targeted by the middle of next year.
