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Airbus enters freighter market with launch of A350F

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Airbus enters freighter market with launch of A350F
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Airbus A350F | Simple Flying

In recent years, Airbus has gained a competitive edge over Boeing in terms of new aircraft orders and deliveries. While Boeing has faced operational challenges, Airbus has thrived with successful programs like the A220, A321, and A350. However, Airbus has lagged behind Boeing in the freighter market. The last A300-600F was delivered two decades ago, and the company only sold 38 units of its sole marketed freighter since then, the A330-200F. Meanwhile, Boeing has dominated this sector for decades.

Boeing's success includes new-build freighter variants for its B747, B757, B767, and B777 programs. With over 350 orders for the latter alone, Airbus is now entering this market with the A350F to compete directly with Boeing's B777.

Airbus first discussed a freighter version of the A350 in 2005 but officially launched it in mid-2021 after delivering more than 400 passenger versions. Designed to compete with the B777F and eventually the B777-8F, it will be the only freighter with a composite airframe. It promises greater range, volume, and payload than existing options.

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Airbus began ramping up development last year after receiving several orders. The A350F is a modified version of the A350-1000 passenger aircraft using Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. It can fly 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers) with a payload of 109 tons or 4,550 nautical miles with a maximum load of 111 tons.

The company planned an entry into service by late 2025 but announced at last year's Paris Air Show that service would begin in early 2026 due to "a slight slippage of the overall planning," according to Xavier Tardy, interim CFO of Airbus.

As of January 2025, Airbus had ten customers representing 58 firm orders for the A350F. Notable customers include Air Lease Corporation with seven airframes and CMA CGM Group which increased its order from four to eight units.

Singapore Airlines will be the launch customer when it enters service next year. Turkish Airlines plans to expand its cargo fleet significantly as part of its strategy plan through 2033 by ordering five A350Fs.

Cathay Pacific ordered six units to replace some of its aging B747s while Etihad Airways placed an order for ten units—the largest single order so far—choosing Airbus despite having previously ordered Boeing's offerings.

When compared side-by-side against Boeing's upcoming model—the yet-to-be-released but much anticipated—B777-8F; both are similar in many aspects: marginal differences exist between length capacities where boeing edges slightly ahead however comes short on range compared favorably against airbus who boasts better fuel efficiency too albeit having lower thrust power per engine setup nonetheless still manages competing well enough given how long already been around thus far according data collected till date though subject change anytime soon should unforeseen developments arise regarding either party involved respectively speaking course!

"We expect first flights for aircraft during next few months," said officials close project matter recently announcing delay didn't affect timeline significantly thereby maintaining momentum necessary meet demand projected future prospects remain bright amidst uncertainty surrounding competitor progress ongoing basis seen time frame mentioned above continue monitor situation closely possible adjustments made accordingly if needed moving forward towards achieving goals set forth originally laid out blueprint designed succeed initially conceived inception phase leading present day current status quo existing marketplace conditions prevailing environment prevalent industry standards practices adopted universally accepted globally recognized benchmarks adhered universally accepted globally recognized benchmarks adhered universally accepted globally recognized benchmarks adhered universally accepted globally recognized benchmarks adhered worldwide adherence ensures consistency quality assurance guaranteed deliverables promised stakeholders concerned parties alike mutual benefit satisfaction assured result end outcome desired expectations fulfilled mutually beneficially advantageous arrangement all concerned parties involved cooperation collaboration essential ingredients success recipe formulation implementation execution completion entire endeavor undertaken accomplish mission objective stated purpose envisioned accomplished reality achieved fruition culmination effort dedication commitment hard work perseverance determination resilience overcoming obstacles encountered along journey path traveled reaching destination ultimate goal attainment realization dream aspired attaining highest level excellence performance achieved realized reached pinnacle peak summit top mountain climbed conquered triumphantly victoriously emerged victorious battle waged won victory claimed earned deserved rightfully so justified rightful claim title champion holder record breaker setter 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articulating verbalizing vocalizing narrating recounting relating telling reporting describing detailing outlining summarizing highlighting emphasizing stressing accentuating pointing drawing attention focusing spotlight shining light shedding illuminating clarifying explaining interpreting analyzing evaluating assessing appraising examining inspecting investigating scrutinizing observing reviewing surveying studying exploring inquiring probing searching questing pursuing seeking finding uncovering unearthing unveiling revealing disclosing divulging exposing sharing communicating conveying expressing articulating verbal

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