Amid the announcement of the choice of the A320neo family to replace KLM and Transavia’s Boeing 737 NG, another order was revealed by Air France, the acquisition of four Airbus A350F, the new widebody cargo variant.
The Air France-KLM group signed a Letter of Intent for four of these new cargo jets, with four purchase options, which will be allocated to Air France Cargo.
The company has said it will be one of the first to feature the new A350F, which is expected to replace the Boeing 777F currently in service by 2025.
Air France, however, preserved the right to convert orders for the A350F into passenger versions during the course of the contract. Currently, the airline operates 12 of 38 aircraft on order.
“The outstanding performances of the A320neo family and of the A350F Full-Freighter, which are quieter, more fuel-efficient and more cost-effective aircraft, make them the best choices for the long-term growth of our fleet. in reaching our ambitious targets, including zero net CO2 emissions by 2050,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group.
Air France became the fourth customer of the A350F, a freighter version with a capacity of 109 tons of cargo. The companies Air Lease Corporation, CMA CGO and Singapore Airlines have already signed agreements with Airbus, totaling 22 firm orders.
