Airbus Updates No.4729

 

Rumour - Kalitta Air Orders Eight Airbus A350F Freighters in Major Fleet Shift

Aviation News – United States military and commercial freight contractor Kalitta Air has ordered eight Airbus A350F freighters, marking a significant strategic pivot away from its long-time supplier Boeing to tap European capacity for the first time. Three people familiar with the transaction confirmed the milestone order.

​European aerospace manufacturer Airbus, which declined to comment on ongoing commercial discussions, quietly logged the transaction as a firm contract in a recent orders update without officially identifying the buyer. The deal represents a major development in the cargo aviation sector as Kalitta Air diversifies its heavy-lift capabilities. Industry sources indicate the selection occurred following a rigorous internal fleet evaluation aimed at modernizing operations and capturing advanced market capacity.

​The Airbus A350F program provides state-of-the-art widebody capability built upon advanced composite materials that significantly lower operating weight, fuel burn, and carbon emissions compared to older generation freighters. This technical efficiency delivers vital operational advantages for high-demand global freight contractors managing extensive commercial and military logistics. By integrating these next-generation jets, Kalitta Air enhances its long-haul payload capacity and operational resilience.

​Industry observers note that diversifying aircraft portfolios allows major freight carriers to optimize performance across demanding international routes while mitigating supply chain bottlenecks.

​As cargo demand evolves globally, this procurement positions Kalitta Air to leverage cutting-edge aviation technology and maintain a competitive edge in the heavy freight market. Fleet modernization efforts will likely accelerate as the European manufacturer progresses toward final aircraft certification and upcoming delivery milestones.

Airbus Updates No.4724

 Airbus A350F flies for the 1st time

On 29 September 2026 Airbus conducted the first flight of the A350F, a major step for the programme. The aircraft, A350-1041F F-WXLD (700), took off from Toulouse-Blagnac at 10:30 local time for a four hour test-flight above France.

Airbus announced the A350F in July 2021, with formal board approval received a few months later. The aircraft is a mix between the A350-900 and the A350-1000. It has a slightly longer fuselage then the -900 and the wings and engines of the -1000. The A350F is 70,8 meters, four meters longer than the -900 and four meters shorter than the -1000. The length was chosen to have the right center of gravity.

The A350F has a payload of up to 111 tonnes. That is about two to nine tonnes less than a Boeing B747-400F. However, as the airframe is 32 tonnes lighter, it will burn 40% less fuel compared to the Jumbojet. It can fly it's cargo up to 8,700 km, a range that fits one of the world's busiest cargo routes; Hong Kong to Anchorage (AK).

After first flight, Airbus expects that the certification process will take up to nine months. A second test-aircraft is due to fly later this year and join the test programme. If they're able to meet the expectations, Airbus foresees certification in the third quarter of 2027, and delivery shortly thereafter.

Since the launch, Airbus has logged 115 firm orders for the A350F. The breakdown of those can be found in the table below.

Airline	Number of aircraft on order	Ordered
Air China Cargo	10	November 2025 (6) and May 2026 (4)
Air France	3	April 2022
Atlas Air	20	March 2026
AviLease	10	June 2025
Cathay Pacific Airways	8	December 2023 (6) and May 2026 (2)
CMA CGM Air Cargo	8	November 2021 (4) and April 2024 (4)
Etihad Airways	10	August 2022
Korean Air	7	October 2025
Martinair	3	January 2023
MNG Airlines Cargo	2	June 2025
Silk Way West Airlines	4	June 2022
Singapore Airlines	7	February 2022
STARLUX Airlines	10	February 2024
Turkish Airlines	5	December 2023
Undisclosed customers	8

Airbus Updates No.4656

Cathay Pacific increases Airbus A350F-order

Airbus announced on 27 May 2026, that the Cathay Group has decided to convert two options on the A350F into firm orders. With this conversion, Cathay now has eight A350Fs on firm order. No delivery timeline has been communicated.

Cathay selected the A350F in December 2023 and placed a firm order for six aircraft with options on another twenty. Deliveries of the first of these six was originally scheduled to begin in 2027.

The airline plans to use its new Airbuses to replace the older Jumbojets in the fleet, which currently is made-up of six B747-400Fs and fourteen B747-8Fs.

Illustration by Airbus.

Airbus Updates No.4634

 Airbus March 2026 orders & deliveries

March 2026 was a very good month for Airbus as the manufacturer received 331 orders. The number of deliveries was 60 aircraft. As usual, the details can be found below.

Ordered were:

• 20 A350Fs by Atlas Air
• 18 A320neos by China Eastern Airlines
• 83 A321neos by China Eastern Airlines
• 34 A321neos by Delta Air Lines
• 16 A330-900s by Delta Air Lines
• 15 A350-900s by Delta Air Lines
• 13 A320neos by Juneyao Air
• 12 A321neos by Juneyao Air
• 23 A320neos by NAS Aviation Services
• 77 A321neos by NAS Aviation Services
• 20 A220-300s by Undisclosed customers

Of note is that the order for NAS Aviation Services is the one announced earlier in March 2026 by AerCap and that we reported on.

Delivered were:

• 2 A321neos to Aegean Airlines
• 1 A330-900 to Air Algerie
• 1 A321neo to Air Astana
• 1 A220-300 to airBaltic
• 1 A220-300 to Air France
• 1 A220-300 to Animawings
• 1 A320neo to Brussels Airlines
• 1 A320neo to Cebu Pacific
• 1 A320neo to China Southern Airlines
• 1 A321neo to China Southern Airlines
• 1 A320neo to Condor
• 1 A321neo to Condor
• 1 A220-300 to Croatia Airlines
• 1 A220-300 to Delta Air Lines
• 2 A321neos to Delta Air Lines
• 1 A321neo to easyJet
• 1 A350-900 to Egyptair
• 3 A350-900s to Emirates
• 1 A321neo to Etihad Airways
• 1 A350-1000 to Etihad Airways
• 2 A320neos to Frontier Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Frontier Airlines
• 3 A320neos to Hainan Airlines
• 2 A321neos to Icelandair
• 1 A320neo to IndiGo
• 1 A321neo to IndiGo
• 1 A220-300 to ITA Airways
• 1 A330-900 to ITA Airways
• 1 A350-900 to Japan Airlines
• 1 A220-300 to JetBlue Airways
• 2 A321neos to KLM
• 1 A350-900 to Korean Air
• 1 A321neo to LATAM Airlines
• 1 A320neo to Loong Air
• 1 A321neo to Lufthansa
• 1 A330-900 to Malaysia Airlines
• 1 A320neo to Peach
• 1 A321neo to Pegasus Airlines
• 1 ACJ320neo to Private customer
• 2 A320neos to SAS
• 1 A320neo to Sichuan Airlines
• 1 A350-1000 to STARLUX Airlines
• 1 A220-300 to TAAG Angola Airlines
• 1 A320neo to TAP Air Portugal
• 2 A321neos to United Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Viva Aerobus
• 3 A321neos to Wizz Air

The number of orders in 2026 now stands at 408 orders and ten cancellations, leaving a net of 398. The total number of deliveries so far is 114.

Airbus Updates No.4626

 

Atlas Air Worldwide becomes Airbus’ largest A350F freighter customer with an order for 20 aircraft

Toulouse, France, 16 March 2026 – Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“Atlas”), a global leader in airfreight logistics based in the United States in New York, has placed a landmark firm order for 20 Airbus A350F freighters. The order is the largest ever placed for the latest generation fuel efficient A350F and makes Atlas the biggest customer of the type. 

The A350F aircraft will be deployed for growth. As a leading outsourced aviation logistics company, Atlas is uniquely positioned to bring the A350F’s next-generation performance to global operators across a wide variety of business models and markets.

“We are proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F, securing early delivery positions for this next-generation widebody freighter platform,” said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “This order reflects our commitment to maintaining the industry’s most modern and fuel-efficient widebody freighter fleet to best service existing and new customers worldwide. The A350F is a highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits, and a strong sustainability profile. We are pleased to add Airbus and Rolls-Royce to our supplier base of leading aircraft and engine manufacturers, offering us optionality and supporting our global operations and continued growth.” 

“We are excited to welcome Atlas Air Worldwide, a global leader of the air cargo industry, to the Airbus family,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “Atlas Air’s selection of the latest generation A350F - the first in the US - represents a pivotal moment, cementing the A350F’s position as the preferred true all new-generation freighter for the world’s most demanding cargo operators. We very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colours."

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

About Atlas Air Worldwide 

Atlas Air Worldwide is the world’s leader in outsourced aviation logistics. The Company is the parent of Atlas Air, Inc., Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc. and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. With approximately 5,000 employees, the Atlas Air Worldwide companies serve a diversified customer roster across the global supply chain in more than 300 destinations in 90 countries. 

Airbus Updates No.4571

 

Silk Way West Airlines orders two additional Airbus A350F freighters

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 November 2025 – Silk Way West Airlines based in Baku, Azerbaijan has signed a firm contract for an additional two A350F freighter aircraft. The agreement, which takes the total order to four A350Fs, forms the backbone of Silk Way West Airlines’ fleet modernisation and expansion strategy.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F programme. This order, bringing our total commitment to four aircraft, marks a major milestone in our company’s growth and reflects our confidence in the future of sustainable air freight. The A350F will strengthen our leading position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernise our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.

“This repeat order from Silk Way West Airlines, the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region, is a great vote of confidence at a time when the A350F is physically taking shape in our assembly lines. The A350F will ensure the airline maintains its leading position in the global air freight market and further enables its key role in developing Azerbaijan as a major global cargo hub at the heart of the Silk Road,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. Currently, the assembly of test aircraft in Toulouse is underway.  

The A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and will fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. The A350F will be able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft. 

At the end of October 2025, the all-new A350F had registered 74 orders from 12 customers.

Airbus Updates No.4562

Korean Air places Airbus A350F-order

On 31 October 2025, Airbus announced that Korean Air has become the newest customer for its new A350F. The airline has decided to convert seven A350-1000s it had on order into an order for the freighter-variant. As a result of the conversion, the open A350-orders for Korean Air now consists of the seven A350Fs, six A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s.

No delivery timeline has been communicated by either company, although Airbus is aiming for entry into commercial service of the A350F in 2027.

Korean Air will use its new freighters to replace older aircraft in the fleet. The airline's cargo-fleet is currently made-up of four Boeing B747-400Fs, seven B747-8Fs, and twelve B777Fs.

Airbus has now received orders for 78 A350Fs, which breaks down into:

• 6 by Air China
• 4 by Air France
• 10 by Avilease
• 6 by Cathay Pacific
• 8 by CMA CGM
• 7 by Etihad Airways
• 7 by Korean Air
• 3 by Martinair
• 2 by Silk Way West Airlines
• 7 by Singapore Airlines
• 10 by STARLUX Airlines
• 5 by Turkish Airlines
• 3 by Undisclosed customer

Illustration by Airbus.

Airbus Updates No.4559

 Air China Cargo selects Airbus A350F's

On 28 October 2025, Air China issued a notion to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in which it announces its intention to place an order for new Airbus A350F-aircraft for its Air China Cargo-subsidiary. Final approval will be obtained during the airline's upcoming shareholder's meeting.

In total, the order will be for six firm aircraft with options on another four. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2029 and 2031.

Today, Air China Cargo is operating a fleet of six A330-200P2Fs, three Boeing B747-400Fs, and thirteen B777Fs.

Airbus Updates No.4503

 

MNG Airlines to order two Airbus A350F Freighters

Paris, France, 18 June 2025 – MNG Airlines (MNGA), a global logistics provider and e-commerce enabler based in Türkiye, has become the latest carrier to commit to the all-new A350F, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two aircraft. The A350F will become a central element in MNG’s future fleet, bringing all the benefits of an all-new freighter to the airline’s operations.

“This agreement for two A350F deepens a partnership with Airbus across its full range of freighter programmes. This move strengthens our position across key trade lanes, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and a growing footprint in North America. It will support both our scheduled and charter operations and give us added flexibility to meet evolving cargo demands, from e-commerce to high-value freight and express logistics,” said CEO of Mapa Group and Chairman of MNG Airlines Murathan Doruk Günal.

"We are delighted to welcome MNG Airlines as the latest customer for the A350F, underscoring the strong market appeal for this game-changing freighter. The A350F will bring new generation efficiency and performance as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into MNG’s operations,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. 

Engineered as the world's most advanced freighter aircraft, the A350F is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global air cargo market. Currently under development, it will carry up to 111 tonnes with a range of 8,700 km. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it will offer up to 40% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F will be 46 tonnes lighter than competitors and will feature the industry's largest main deck cargo door. It is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO's 2027 CO₂ standards and by the time it enters service it will be 50% SAF capable, with a target for 100% by 2030.

Airbus Updates No.4499

 

AviLease orders Airbus A350F freighters and A320neo Family aircraft

Paris, France, 16 June 2025 – AviLease, the global aircraft lessor headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced an initial order for 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement which also foresees a future increase to 22 A350F freighters and 55 A320neo Family aircraft was signed at the 2025 Paris Airshow.

“We are proud to establish an Airbus order book, strengthening our position as a full-service, investment grade global lessor. The addition of these latest generation aircraft enhances our ability to offer modern, fuel-efficient fleet solutions to our airline partners in Saudi Arabia and around the world. We thank our local partners and Airbus for the strong long-term partnership we have established and look forward to placing these aircraft across our valued customer base,” commented Edward O’Byrne, CEO of AviLease.

“We are delighted to welcome AviLease as Airbus’ latest customer with this significant order for the all new A350F and leading A320neo Family”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “The A350F will set the benchmark in air cargo, offering at least 20% reduced fuel burn, better loading capacity and increased range, while the A320neo Family continues to be the world's most popular single-aisle aircraft. This dual order reinforces AviLease’s credentials as a leading lessor, and it demonstrates the broad appeal of our products among lessors and their airline customers.” 

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

The A320neo incorporates the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver 20% fuel savings. 

Airbus Updates No.4447

 

Supply chain issues delay Airbus A350F EIS to 2027

Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) may experience delays in the introduction of the A350F due to supply chain problems, Reuters reported citing industry sources. The rollout of new freighter aircraft could be delayed by up to a year from the current schedule, which assumes a 2026 entry into service.

The manufacturer has not publicly commented on possible issues in the introduction and production of the A350F. The manufacturer is expected to announce updates on the issue on February 20, 2025, when it publishes its annual results.

Airbus is struggling to increase the production rate of the A350 due to issues with Spirit AeroSystems, a major US supplier that has been experiencing issues with quality control. Industry sources have said that Spirit AeroSystems cannot deliver a sufficient number of fuselage parts for the A350F, which is the reason for the potential late rollout of the freighter.

The issues will also likely prevent Airbus from ramping up its current production rate of passenger A350s, which is six aircraft per month.

At least nine airlines have ordered the A350F, the ch-aviation fleets module shows. Since Airbus announced the A350F programme in 2021, it has received orders for 66 airframes. Etihad Airways and Starlux Airlines are the biggest customers of the type, each ordering ten aircraft. Future operators also include Air France, CMA CGM Air Cargo, Cathay Pacific, Martinair (Netherlands), Silk Way West Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, while Air Lease Corporation has ordered seven aircraft and three were ordered by (an) undisclosed customer(s).

Airbus Updates No.4431

STARLUX Airlines doubles Airbus A350F-order

On 9 January 2025, Airbus announced that STARLUX Airlines has decided to excercise its options it held for the A350F, doubling its order. The airline now has a total of ten freighters on order. STARLUX announced its first order for the A350F back in February 2024.

Airbus' first A350F is currently being assembled in Toulouse-Blagnac and is expected to make its first flight this year. Entry into commercial service is expected for 2027.

STARLUX Airlines is currently only operating passenger-flights with an all-Airbus fleet that is made-up of thirteen A321neos, five A330-900s, and eight A350-900s. Next to the ten A350Fs, the airline has open orders with Airbus for three A330-900s, four A350-900s, and eight A350-1000s.

Illustration by Airbus.

Airbus Updates No.4400

 Etihad Airways increases Airbus A350F-order

Etihad has announced it has decided to exercise Airbus A350F-options and convert these into firm orders. In total, the airline is expanding its A350F-orderbook with three aircraft, bringing it to a total of ten.

The airline ordered its first seven A350Fs in 2022. Delivery of its first one is expected to take place late 2026 or early 2027. Etihad will use its new freighters to replace its current fleet of five Boeing B777Fs, of which the first was delivered in 2013.

Next to the freighter-version of the A350, Etihad is also operating five A350-1000s and has fifteen more of these on order.

Airbus Updates No.4265

 

France’s CMA CGM Air Cargo doubles A350F order

CMA CGM Air Cargo (2C, Paris CDG) has ordered four additional A350Fs, increasing its total tally to eight of the type to be delivered in 2026 and 2027, and it will take possession of three B777-200Fs within the next 12 months.

The eight Airbus A350 freighters will enable the company to extend its reach and “operate a global network, meeting the global logistics needs of air freight customers,” it said in a statement. All eight airframes will be owned by parent entity CMA CGM, the company confirmed ch-aviation.

In addition, CMA CGM Air Cargo will take delivery of three new fully-owned B777-200Fs, with the first scheduled for delivery in June, the second in the fourth quarter of 2024, and the third in the first quarter of 2025. The first two - one of which will be operated by Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) - will be deployed between Europe and Asia and the United States, serving airports in Hong Kong International, Seoul Incheon, Chicago O'Hare, and mainland China. CMA CGM did not disclose where it would deploy its third B777-200F.

ch-aviation has asked CMA CGM and Atlas Air for added comment.

In 2022, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings operated a similar agreement with CMA CGM rival MSC Air Cargo, to operate four B777-200Fs.

Currently, the CMA CGM Air Cargo fleet consists of B777-200Fs and three A330-200Fs, the ch-aviation fleets module shows. The first type operate flights between Europe and Asia with five flights per week to Hong Kong International and four to Shanghai Pudong. Two of the three A330Fs are chartered for Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport) and the third operates between Paris CDG, Mumbai International, and Guangzhou 3x weekly.

Airbus Updates No. 4242

 Airbus February 2024 orders & deliveries

February 2024 has been a slow month for Airbus when talking about the number of orders received. In total, only two orders were logged. There were no cancellations and the manufacturer was able to deliver 49 new aircraft.

Ordered were:

• 2 A350-900s by an Undisclosed customer

Delivered were:

• 1 A220-300 to AirBaltic
• 1 A321neo to Air Busan
• 1 A320neo to Air Corsica
• 4 A320neos to Air India
• 1 A320neo to Avianca
• 1 A320neo to Azores Airlines
• 2 A220-300s to Breeze Airways
• 1 A350-1000 to British Airways
• 1 A320neo to Brussels Airlines
• 1 A330neo to Cebu Pacific
• 1 A320neo to China Southern Airlines
• 1 A330neo to Condor
• 1 A220-300 to Delta Air Lines
• 2 A321neos to Delta Air Lines
• 2 A320neos to easyJet
• 1 A321neo to Eurowings
• 1 A320neo to flynas
• 3 A321neos to Frontier Airlines
• 1 A321neo to HK Express
• 4 A320neos to IndiGo
• 1 A321neo to ITA Airways
• 2 A220-300s to JetBlue Airways
• 1 A321neo to JetBlue Airways
• 1 A320neo to SAS
• 1 A320neo to Spirit Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Spirit Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Turkish Airlines
• 1 A350-900 to Turkish Airlines
• 1 A321neo to United Airlines
• 1 A321neo to VietJet
• 2 A321neos to Volaris
• 3 A321neos to Wizz Air
• 2 A321neos to Xiamen Airlines

So far, Airbus has received 33 orders in 2024, no cancellations, and delivered 79 aircraft

Airbus Updates No.4232

 

STARLUX orders freighters and more A330neos

On 21 February 2024, on the second day of the Singapore Air Show, Airbus and STARLUX signed an agreement for additional Airbuses. The airline has ordered three more A330-900s but also five A350Fs, its first dedicated freighters. It also has taken options on five more A350Fs.

STARLUX was established in 2018 and launched operations in January 2020. It currently operates a fleet of thirteen A321neos, four A330-900s, and four A350-900s. The airline calls Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport as its home. It flies from there to destinations in Guam, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Vietnam

Airbus Updates No.4176

Turkish Airlines orders Airbuses for expansion

On 15 December 2023, Airbus and Turkish Airlines announced that both companies reached an agreement for a very large firm order for 220 new Airbuses. In total, the airline is ordering 150 A321neos, 50 A350-900s, fifteen A350-1000s, and five A350Fs.

Turkish also secured purchase options for 100 A321neos, 20 A350-900s, and five A350Fs.

Earlier this year, the airline already ordered fourteen A350-900s and the new ones are on top of those. In total, Turkish Airlines has now ordered 504 new Airbuses directly with Airbus, of which 212 have been delivered.

With these new aircraft, Turkish Airlines wants to expand its fleet and flights out of its hub at the new Istanbul Airport. Already today, the airline is the airline with the most destinations served in the world.

There have no delivery timelines been communicated by Airbus and Turkish Airlines on when the new aircraft should all be delivered.

Today, the Turkish Airlines' fleet is made up of six A319s, twelve A320s, 65 A321s, 41 A321neos, 10 A330-200Fs, 11 A330-200s, 36 A330-300s, sixteen A350-900s, 40 Boeing B737-800s, fifteen B737-900ERs, 20 B737-8s, five B737-9s, eight B777Fs, 35 B777-300ERs, and 22 B787-9s.

Airbus Updates No.4167

Airbus November 2023 orders & deliveries

November 2023 was an interesting month for Airbus, partially due to orders collected during the Dubai Air Show. In total, 113 orders were noted, as well as 52 cancellations. The number of delivered aircraft was 64.

Ordered were:

• 2 A320neos by Aer Lingus
• 30 A220-300s by AirBaltic
• 1 A330-900 by Air Lease Corporation
• 1 A350-900 by Air Mauritius
• 2 A320neos by British Airways
• 2 A321neos by British Airways
• 15 A350-900s by Emirates
• 60 A320neos by SMBC Aviation Capital

Cancelled were:

• 46 A320neos by ALAFCO
• 4 A320neos by IAG
• 2 A321neos by IAG

Delivered were:

• 1 A320neo to Air Astana
• 1 A220-300 to AirBaltic
• 1 A220-300 to Air France
• 2 A350-900s to Air France
• 4 A320neos to Air India
• 1 A350-900 to Air India
• 1 A320neo to Azores Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Cebu Pacific
• 1 A330-900 to Cebu Pacific
• 1 A320neo to Chengdu Airlines
• 1 A350-900 to China Southern Airlines
• 1 A330-900 to Condor
• 1 A220-300 to Delta Air Lines
• 2 A321neos to Delta Air Lines
• 1 A321neo to Eurowings
• 1 A320neo to flyadeal
• 2 A320neos to flynas
• 2 A321neos to Frontier Airlines
• 2 A321neos to Gulf Air
• 1 A321neo to HK Express
• 1 A320neo to Huaxia Airlines
• 2 A321neos to Iberia Express
• 1 A220-300 to Ibom Airways
• 2 A320neos to IndiGo
• 1 A320neo to ITA Airways
• 1 A321neo to ITA Airways
• 3 A220-300s to JetBlue Airways
• 1 A321neo to JetBlue Airways
• 1 A321neo to JetSmart
• 1 A321neo to Korean Air
• 1 A320neo to LATAM
• 4 A321neos to LATAM
• 1 A350-900 to Lufthansa
• 1 A320neo to Lufthansa CityLine
• 1 A320neo to Peach
• 2 A321neos to Pegasus Airlines
• 1 A320neo to SAS
• 1 A321neo to Sky Airline
• 1 A320neo to TAP Air Portugal
• 1 A321neo to Turkish Airlines
• 1 A350-900 to Turkish Airlines
• 1 A321neo to United Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Viva Aerobus
• 2 A321neos to Volaris
• 1 A321neo to WizzAir
• 1 A321neo to Xiamen Airlines

For 2023 the total number of orders stands at 1,512. If you detract the 117 cancellations, you are left with a total net orders of 1,395. The total number of delivered aircraft stands at 623.

Airbus Updates No.4166

Cathay Pacific Cargo selects Airbus A350F

On 7 December 2023, the Cathay Group announced it has selected the Airbus A350F as its new freighter of choice. The airline has placed a firm order for six A350Fs and secured options on another 20 aircraft. Deliveries are to begin in 2027.

The selection of the A350F comes as a surprise as earlier in May 2023, we reported based on Reuters, that Cathay was close to an order for the B777-8F.

Cathay Cargo will use the initial six A350Fs to replace the six B747-400Fs in the fleet. The airline also operates fourteen B747-8Fs, which are also covered by the 20 options.

Airbus Updates No.3920

 

KLM Cargo / Martinair orders Airbus A350F

On 27 January 2023, the board of directors of Air France-KLM has approved to order additional Airbus A350-aircraft for the airlines in the group. Most notable is a firm order for four A350Fs that will be operated for KLM Cargo by Martinair. The board also approved an additional three A350-900s for Air France.

The four A350Fs are planned to be delivered from the second half of 2026, which is the same timeline as the first delivery of four A350Fs for Air France Cargo, which were firmly ordered in December last year. With this, Air France-KLM will be one of the first launch operators for this new Airbus cargo aircraft.

At KLM Cargo/Martinair, the four A350Fs will replace current fleet of four Boeing B747-400Fs. Three of these are operating in KLM-livery, and one in Martinair-livery. It's unclear in which livery the new Airbuses will be operated but it's expected that it will be KLM's.

The additional three A350-900s for Air France are expected to be delivered in 2024. In total, Air France has now ordered 41 A350-900s.