Airbus Scores a Win as Cathay Pacific Changes Course from Boeing to A350F

Cathay of Hong Kong has signed a purchase agreement for six A350Fs, making it the latest airline to order the all-new aircraft. The A350F will become a key component of the airline’s future fleet and join Cathay Cargo, its cargo division, bringing new levels of efficiency to its vast network.

The A350F, which is presently in development, will be able to fly up to 4,700 nautical miles or 8,700 kilometres and carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes for a substantially lower price than any other freighter on the market. It will be able to service all heavy cargo markets as a result, including the largest freight route in the world, which runs from Hong Kong to Anchorage.

“The aircraft will operate at a level never before seen in the increasingly competitive cargo markets, and it will fit seamlessly with Cathay’s current A350 passenger fleet. Simultaneously, it will result in a notable decrease in carbon emissions, instantly supporting sustainability objectives.

Equipped with state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, the aircraft is at least 20% more efficient than its rival and will result in a 40% decrease in fuel consumption and carbon emissions when compared to the older 747F.

The fuselage length and capacity of the A350F are optimised to accommodate the industry standard pallets and containers, and it has the largest main deck cargo door in the business. Because advanced materials make up over 70% of the airframe, the aircraft weighs 46 tonnes less at takeoff than the rival variant. When the new CO2 emissions regulations from the ICAO take effect in 2027, the A350F will be the only freighter aircraft that can fully comply with them.

Being a member of the most advanced widebody aircraft family in the world, the A350F shares many features with the A350 passenger aircraft, which benefits carriers that currently operate A350 models.