FLEET - Air France-KLM scales down A350F order

Air France-KLM has adjusted its order for new A350F freighters and will take six instead of the previously planned eight units.

The holding's spokesperson confirmed to ch-aviation that the group will be taking three aircraft for Air France and three for Martinair (Netherlands), the cargo subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Each carrier was previously supposed to add four aircraft.

"This does not mean any change in strategy. We will continue to operate our hybrid model of freighter aircraft combined with belly cargo on Air France-KLM Group’s passenger aircraft," the spokesperson said.

The news came only a few days after Air France-KLM published its 2024 financial report. It saw cargo volumes increasing 4.1% year-on-year, but the freight business recorded a 3.9% decline in revenue compared to 2023.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Air France is currently operating two B777-200Fs, while Martinair operates two B747-400ERFs and one B747-400(BCF). The group ordered the A350s in two batches, first four for Air France in 2022, followed by four for Martinair in early 2023. The deliveries were scheduled to start in 2026 but will be delayed to 2027.

Air France-KLM confirms order for four A350F

Toulouse, 12 avril 2022 - Air France-KLM has finalised its order with Airbus for four new
generation A350F freighters, following the earlier commitment announced in December
2021.

The freighters are destined to increase Air France’s cargo capacity with the most efficient and sustainable cargo aircraft available in the market.

The A350F is based on the world's most modern long range leader, the A350. 

The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo
operations. 

Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 over its current closest competitor. 

With a 109 tonnes payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than its competition), the

A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is in the large
freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.

“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. 

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.” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
Launched in 2021, the A350F recorded 29 orders and commitments from five customers


        

 

AIR FRANCE CARGO - B777-200F - F-GUOC

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MARTINAIR/KENYA/AF - B747-400F, PH-MPS

Air France Cargo, KLM Cargo and Kenya Airways jointly operate this 747-400. The aircraft operates AMS-SHJ-PVG-NBO-AMS combining two markets, Asian electronics and Keneyan flowers...

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