The A350F, which is under development and due to be launched in 2027, will have a payload of up to 111 tonnes and a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, which will help Cathay Cargo connect Hong Kong, China and the rest of the world.
It is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to older B747Fs and Airbus says it is at least 20% more efficient than its competitors.
The A350F has the largest main deck cargo door in the industry with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, giving the A350F a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight and it is the only freighter that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO2 emission standards, coming into effect in 2027.
Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, says, “As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum. This order marks another major component in our investment for the future. It reflects Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look ahead to the opportunities provided by the Three-Runway System.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus, adds, “The aircraft will fit seamlessly with Cathay’s existing A350 passenger fleet, while lowering operating costs to a level never before seen in increasingly competitive cargo markets. At the same time, it will bring a very significant reduction in carbon emissions, contributing immediately to sustainability goals.”