Singapore Airlines has finalised a purchase agreement with Airbus for seven A350F freighter aircraft at the Singapore Airshow.

The order firms up the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in December 2021 with Airbus for seven A350F aircraft, with options for a further five. The new A350F aircraft will replace the carrier’s existing 747-400F fleet from the fourth quarter of 2025. The purchase agreement was signed by Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choong Phong, and Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international Christian Scherer.

Airline is first to fly new freighter variant

Goh said: “This order underscores the importance of the cargo market to the SIA Group. The introduction of the A350F will enhance our capabilities in this key sector, ensuring that we are ready for the growth opportunities that will arise in the coming years.”

“These new-generation aircraft will substantially increase our operating efficiencies and reduce our fuel burn, making an important contribution towards the success of our long-term decarbonisation goals. Singapore Airlines is the world’s largest operator of the A350 and is now set to become the first to fly the all-new freighter variant,” added Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international Christian Scherer.

“The A350F will fit seamlessly into the carrier’s existing fleet, while redefining the operational efficiency of its cargo operations, bringing a 40 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared with the aircraft it will replace at SIA, while offering the same payload-carrying capacity and longer range. Consumer patterns have changed dramatically in recent times, generating increased demand for the swift transport of cargo by air.”

Increasing demand for e-Commerce is likely to keep demand for air freight strong over the next few years.

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