Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, boosting its total firm order for the type to 10 aircraft. The deal, announced on 26 May, formalizes an expansion that had been anticipated since the carrier’s shareholder meeting earlier this month.
The state-owned airline originally ordered six A350F freighters in November 2025, becoming the first mainland Chinese customer for the next-generation widebody freighter. In early 2026, Air China Cargo sought shareholder approval to acquire up to 10 A350Fs, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2031. The latest four-aircraft commitment brings the firm order in line with that approved ceiling.
“This additional order, following our initial A350F order last year, is a crucial strategic decision for the company to further optimise our fleet structure and expand transport capacity,” said Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo. “It will allow us to better match and meet the demands of the international air cargo market, laying a solid foundation for the company’s long-term stable development.”
Air China Cargo currently operates a mixed freighter fleet dominated by Boeing types. According to the carrier’s fleet data, its core comprises 13 Boeing 777Fs, three 747-400Fs, and six A330-200 freighters – the latter being the only Airbus aircraft in its cargo line-up prior to the A350F orders. The airline began introducing Airbus freighters at the end of 2023 with the A330-200P2F conversions.
The A350F, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, offers a payload of up to 111 tonnes and a range of 8,700 km. Airbus says the aircraft will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20% compared to previous-generation freighters of similar capability. However, rival Boeing is developing the 777-8F, which is also expected to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards.
Airbus reported that as of the end of April 2026, the A350F had accumulated 101 firm orders from 14 customers. The Air China Cargo deal further solidifies the programme’s footprint in Asia’s largest air cargo market.
