Airbus maintains A350F freighter launch date for late 2027 amid industry challenges

The air cargo market has shifted towards twin-engine jets as older models like the Boeing 747 freighters are phased out and attempts to convert aircraft like the A380 into freighters were unsuccessful. The A350F will be slightly smaller than Boeing’s upcoming 777-8F but aims to offer a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions compared to previous models. This is expected to reduce operating costs and open up more airport options due to a lower noise footprint.

Airbus claims that while some carriers have raised concerns about engine maintenance intervals, overall reliability for the XWB-97 remains high at 99.9%. The company believes this reliability will help keep operating costs down by reducing time spent out of service.

The delay of about one year for Airbus’s freighter may frustrate some cargo operators looking to benefit from strong air freight demand following COVID-19 disruptions. However, Boeing customers face even greater uncertainty due to ongoing delays with new freighter models such as the 777X-F.

In recent years, Airbus has overtaken Boeing in several key areas. Its A320 family recently became the best-selling airliner series ever by surpassing sales of Boeing’s 737 line. While Airbus reduced its annual delivery forecast from over 800 planes to numbers in the high 700s, it continues to deliver hundreds more aircraft per year than Boeing since 2020—a trend attributed partly to problems with Boeing’s 737 MAX program and continued delays with other projects.

The shift marks a significant change in commercial aviation dynamics as airlines increasingly look beyond traditional preferences when selecting new aircraft.