Airbus has unveiled its optimistic forecast for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region’s freight market, citing robust economic growth and dynamic trade activities. The company anticipates a demand for approximately 400 widebody freighters in the APAC region over the next two decades, comprising both new builds and conversions. This projection accounts for more than 25% of the global demand, which is estimated to be 1,490 widebody freight aircraft in the above 40-tonne segment.
As the world’s only all-new freighter, the A350F will be a step change in efficiency in competitive cargo markets. It will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% compared with the previous generation 747F and is the first freighter offered today that will meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards in 2027,” according to Crawford Hamilton, Airbus Head of Freighter Marketing, expressing confidence in the company’s ability to meet a significant portion of this demand through its innovative A350F during the ongoing Singapore Airshow 2024.
The A350F, slated to enter service in 2026, boasts the capability to cover distances of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers) at a considerably lower cost compared to other available freighters. This allows it to efficiently serve major cargo markets, including the world’s largest freight route connecting Hong Kong and Anchorage.
A key feature of the A350F is its impressive payload capacity of up to 111 tonnes and the industry’s largest main deck cargo door. With a main deck cargo door 15% wider than its competitors, the A350F facilitates the transportation of new large engines. Furthermore, the aircraft’s airframe is constructed with over 70% advanced materials, resulting in a 46-tonne lighter take-off weight compared to competing derivatives.
Assembly of the initial A350F fuselage sections is set to commence in the coming months, aligning with the aircraft’s production schedule. By the end of January, the latest generation A350 Family had secured over 1,200 orders from 57 customers worldwide, with 50 orders specifically for the A350F from nine prominent cargo airlines. In the mid-size category, the A330neo Family is also gaining traction, garnering nearly 300 firm orders from 28 customers. The industry eagerly awaits the upcoming developments as Airbus positions itself to play a pivotal role in meeting the escalating demand for freight transport in the thriving Asia-Pacific region.