Atlas Air Worldwide has placed a firm order for 20 Airbus A350F freighters, with options for an additional 20 aircraft, making Atlas the largest customer for the all-new large widebody freighter platform and securing early delivery positions for this next-generation aircraft.
Atlas described the order as a “key investment” in its long-term fleet strategy, which it says positions the company to “drive sustained earnings growth while modernising its global fleet”. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029 and be completed in 2034.
The A350F, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, complement the company’s existing fleet of 113 aircraft - Boeing 747s, 777s, and 767s.
“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 serve existing and new customers worldwide. The A350F is a highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits, and a strong sustainability profile.”
“As retirements of older widebody freighters accelerate, the large widebody freighter market will remain constrained, with limited new capacity entering the market,” Steen continued. “This strategic investment reinforces our long-term confidence in global airfreight demand, and positions Atlas to meet that demand and support future growth.”
“We are proud to welcome Atlas, the leading global widebody freighter operator, to the Airbus family and are committed to a long-term partnership as Atlas introduces this new platform into its fleet,” said Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “The A350F delivers unmatched efficiency, performance and sustainability, and we very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colors."
The A350F is the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. With the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, the fuselage length and capacity is optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. The airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a lighter take-off weight.