Air France-KLM firms up order for four Airbus A350 freighters

Air France-KLM has finalized its order with Airbus for four A350s, four months after signing a Letter of Intent (Lol). 

“Airlines now have a choice, and we salute Air France joining those going for the A350F’s step change in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. 

#AirFranceKLM announces today its decision to convert into a firm order the Letter of Intent it signed in December 2021 for the acquisition of 4 @Airbus #A350F Full Freighter aircraft – with purchase rights for an additional 4 aircraft, for #AirFrance. https://t.co/NISugZQMgn pic.twitter.com/haHKZBCAfO

— Air France-KLM Group (@AirFranceKLM) April 12, 2022

According to Airbus, the new A350 freighter is projected to have 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions than its current closest competitor. The A350 freighter will have a payload capability of 109 tons.  

Airbus launched a freighter version of its A350 in July 2021 and expects that the new freighter will be rolled out in 2025. The A350 freighter currently has 29 orders and commitments across five customers.  

“We are gratified by the wave of early adopters who, like Air France, see the economics and environmental signature of the A350s as standing out versus alternatives, past, existing and future. Merci Air France,” Scherer added.