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Joe Breitfeller

Cathay Group Orders Six New Airbus A350F Freighters

Cathay Group has ordered six new Airbus A350F freighters which will join Cathay Cargo, becoming a central element in their future fleet.  Currently under development, the A350F can carry 111 tonnes and can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km).


Cathay Cargo Airbus A350F Rendering - Courtesy Airbus

On Friday (December 8, 2023), Airbus announced that Cathay Group has placed an order for six new Airbus A350F freighters, which will join Cathay Cargo, becoming a central element to their future fleet.  Currently under development, the A350F will be able to carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and will have a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km).  according the Airbus, the A350 will offer lower operating costs than any freighter available today, and serve all heavy cargo routes, including the world’s biggest freight route between Hong Kong and Anchorage, Alaska.


In today’s announcement, Cathay Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam, said,


“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.  These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals.”


Also commenting on the A350F order, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, Christian Scherer, said,


“There’s a new standard in the cargo space and we are gratified that such a savvy global air-cargo operator as Cathay has joined the growing number of reference players in the air-freight industry endorsing the A350F.  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.”


Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB97 engines, the A350F will deliver a reduction in fuel use and emissions up to 40 percent compared to the older 747F, and is planned to be at least 20 percent more efficient compared to its nearest competitor.  The A350F also features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry.  Additionally, over 70 percent of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 40 percent lighter takeoff weight than the competing derivative. 


Cathay Group is currently one of the largest A350 operators with a fleet of 47 aircraft, including A350-900 and A350-1000 models.  The A350F offers a high level of commonality with the passenger version, bringing added benefits to carrier’s already flying A350 Family models.



Source(s): Airbus, Cathay Group    

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