Airbus has another customer for the A350F, the new dedicated cargo variant of the aircraft, Singapore Airlines.
The Asian airline signed a Letter of Intent with the planemaker for seven aircraft, which will replace the Boeing 747-400F that are currently in use.
“We are honored by Singapore Airlines’ vote of confidence in the A350F as it renews its freighter fleet. The A350F is the world’s all-new large freighter and will be unmatched in its market segment in terms of operational efficiency, lower fuel consumption and CO₂ savings,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus CCO.
“It is gratifying that Singapore Airlines recognizes the value of the A350F as we build on the strong partnership we already enjoy.”
The A350F was launched during the Dubai Airshow with an initial order from Air Lease Corporation for seven aircraft. Days later, Airbus revealed a new customer, French company CMA CGM, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding for four aircraft.
One of the A350F’s potential customers is Cargolux, a cargo company that operates an exclusive fleet of Boeing 747s. Airbus carried out demonstration flights for a company delegation in Toulouse weeks ago.
With a slightly longer fuselage than the A350-900, the A350F will be able to carry 109 tonnes of cargo with significantly lower fuel consumption than other current freighters.
Singapore is the largest operator of the A350 with 56 aircraft, but the airline is also an important Boeing customer, being one of the main customers of the new 777X, which is expected to have a dedicated cargo version in the future.
