Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus for seven A350F freighter aircraft.
The agreement will see the A350F begin replacing the airline’s existing B747-400F fleet in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International said: “We are honoured by Singapore Airlines’ vote of confidence in the A350F as it renews its freighter fleet. The A350F is the world’s all-new large freighter and will be unmatched in its market segment in terms of operational efficiency, lower fuel consumption and CO₂ savings. It is gratifying that Singapore Airlines recognises the value of the A350F as we build on the strong partnership we already enjoy.”
Imminent wave of large freighter replacements
Airbus received Board of Directors approval for a freighter derivative of the A350 designed to meet the imminent wave of large freighter replacements and the evolving environmental requirements, shaping the future of airfreight earlier this year The A350F will be powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engine.
The A350F will have a high level of commonality with the A350 passenger versions. The aircraft will serve all cargo markets with a 109 tonne payload capability. The aircraft features a large main deck cargo door, with its fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
More than 70 per cent of the airframe will be made of advanced materials, resulting in a 30 tonne lighter take-off weight and generating at least 20 per cent lower fuel consumption and emissions over its current closest competitor. The A350F will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards coming into effect in 2027.
Singapore Airlines is the world’s largest operator of the A350, with 56 aircraft currently in service across its network. The agreement with Singapore Airlines is the third commitment received for the new A350F over the past month.
