Air China Cargo has signed a deal to buy six Airbus A350F aircraft, becoming the first mainland Chinese customer for Airbus’s new-generation freighter.
Air China Cargo says the A350F will improve operational efficiency and support more stable, long-term growth. Airbus highlighted the aircraft’s fuel savings, greater capacity, and flexible loading options, noting it will work smoothly within the airline’s existing operations.
Based in Beijing, Air China Cargo is China’s only national-flag cargo airline. Since June 2025, it has operated dedicated freighters across major regions of China and now runs 25 all-cargo routes to destinations in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Its network is supported by more than 1,500 global trucking routes.
The A350F can carry up to 111 tonnes and fly 8,700 km. Airbus says the aircraft offers up to 40 percent lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared with older models. Built with over 70 percent advanced materials, it is lighter than competing freighters and has the largest main deck cargo door in the industry. It is also the only freighter that fully meets ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ rules and will be 50 percent SAF-capable at entry into service, with a goal of 100 percent by 2030.
Airbus is currently assembling test aircraft in Toulouse. As of October 2025, the A350 family had secured 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 74 orders for the A350F.
