Air China Cargo has increased its Airbus A350F cargo aircraft order just six months after signing an initial purchase for six freighters.
On May 26, 2026, Airbus announced that the order had increased to 10 A350Fs, adding four to the original purchase agreement for six in November 2025.
“This additional order, following our initial A350F order last year, is a crucial strategic decision for the company to further optimize our fleet structure and expand transport capacity,” Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo, said.
The executive added that further fleet optimization will allow the carrier to “better match and meet the demands of the international air cargo market” and lay a “solid foundation for the company’s long-term stable development”.
In November 2025, the Air China subsidiary became the first customer on the Chinese mainland to order the all-new A350F.
Founded in 2003, Air China Cargo operates throughout China and serves 25 routes around the world, including Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.
“We are very pleased with Air China Cargo’s decision to increase its order for the A350F freighter,” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said. “It reflects Air China Cargo’s full confidence in Airbus’ products and reaffirms the A350F’s leading position as the next-generation freighter.”
According to Airbus, Air China Cargo began introducing its freighters at the end of 2023 and currently operates a fleet of eight A330-200P2F aircraft.
“In the near future, the A350F freighter will join Air China Cargo’s fleet and will complement the A330-200P2F freighters, maximizing their advantages on long-haul and medium-to-long-haul routes,” Airbus said.
The Beijing registered company also operates two Boeing 747-400FSCD and six 777-200F aircraft, according to ch-aviation.
A350F production challenges
Airbus is facing difficulties with the A350F due to production disruptions of the cargo door. Airbus said delivery of the first aircraft remains scheduled for 2027.
In April 2026, Airbus announced that it had completed the manufacturing and assembly of the first main deck cargo door for the A350F freighter at its facility in Illescas, Spain.
The A350F main deck cargo door is the largest in the industry and features a 4.3-meter width clear opening and a 3.15-meter height clear opening.
Airbus is manufacturing two A350F aircraft for flight testing from 2026 to 2027.
