Airbus A350F: Shaping the future of air cargo

Airbus A350F next-generation freighter, the future air cargo aircraft.

A350F in Airbus livery

A350F: a new vision for air freight

Every day, the world relies on air cargo to deliver everything from urgent medical supplies to the products driving global trade and e-commerce. As freighter fleets age, supply chain demands grow, and environmental standards evolve, innovation is essential. Ensuring that as the air cargo market expands – with a projected need for over 900 new freighters by 2044 – Airbus is offering a suitable solution for more efficient operations. 

Developed in direct response to industry needs and shaped by the insights of our customers, the Airbus A350F will be a highly capable new generation cargo plane with reduced CO₂ emissions thanks to the latest technology. 

  • A350F special load
    A350F special load
  • The only true new generation freighter

    — 00:02:08

    The only true new generation freighter

    Based on the top-selling all new A350, the A350F brings latest-generation efficiency and choice to the large freighter market"

  • Ground A350F open largest cargo door
    Ground A350F open largest cargo door
Ground A350F closed largest cargo door

A350F: meeting tomorrow’s environmental standards

Imagine an aircraft already prepared for tomorrow’s environmental standards. The A350F will be precisely that – the only new-generation freighter designed from the outset to meet the ICAO CO₂ emissions standards set for 2027. Its design also ensures quieter operations, benefiting airport communities. 

By combining advanced aerodynamics, extensive use of weight-saving materials, a unique carbon airframe and powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it achieves remarkable performance. This translates to at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions vs competitor aircraft. 

Crucially, the A350F will be able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, and we aim for 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft. As global trade expands, the A350F will offer a solution, supporting the industry’s decarbonisation goals and meeting the demands of a changing world.

Learn more about decarbonisation Read more about SAF
  • AT LEAST
    20%
    LOWER FUEL BURN
  • UP TO
    50%
    SAF
A350F cargo door

A350F: innovation meeting operators' needs

The A350F is a direct reflection of our customers' evolving needs and specific insights from trusted partners in the cargo industry. 

Innovation is at the core of the A350F’s design and production. Understanding the demands of modern logistics, we designed the A350F with operators. As a direct response to their needs, the A350F will feature the largest main deck cargo door in its class, allowing quicker loading of diverse goods, keeping global trade moving smoothly. Its optimised fuselage and impressive internal volume will allow that more freight can be carried. A350F's unique floor design optimises flexible pallet loading, enabling better center-of-gravity management and maximizing cargo capacity. It also meets the benchmark flight from Hong Kong to Anchorage – the most often flown cargo route in the world – at full payload.

This makes the A350F perfectly suited for diverse cargo needs, from express parcels to heavy-duty industrial goods like engines.

Learn more about A350F innovations
  • +11%
    VOLUME
  • UP TO
    111t
    PAYLOAD
A350-900 and A350-100 in flight

A350F: built on proven A350 Family excellence

Building on the proven success and maturity of the A350 passenger aircraft family, the A350F is designed to deliver the same high degree of operational reliability. This exceptional reliability is a critical factor, especially when global supply chains depend on timely deliveries.

Airlines already operating A350s will find significant advantages with the A350F. Flight crews holding an A350 type rating will be able to adapt quickly to the freighter, and ground technicians familiar with the passenger version will find a straightforward transition to maintaining the A350F. This seamless integration is possible because the A350F shares commonality in engines and airframe spares with its passenger plane sibling, meaning it easily joins a proven, mature platform within a reliable, global support network.

With millions of flight hours and exceptional operational reliability (99.5% in 2024), the A350 family provides a dependable foundation for this new cargo aircraft.

Learn more about the A350 Family

Download A350F infographic

Infographic

A350F infographic

A350F infographic

  • A350F livery

    A350F livery design competition

    In 2022, Airbus organised the A350F Airbus Livery Design Competition to choose the livery for its new-generation freighter aircraft. Discover the winning A350F design.

Your A350F questions answered

FAQ

How much cargo will a large freighter like the A350F be able to carry?

Large freighters handle substantial loads. The A350F, for example, is being designed to carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes, which will offer significant volume and enable the transport of heavy and outsize cargo over long distances.

What kind of cargo will the A350F be able to carry?

Its large main deck door and high volume will make it extremely versatile. It will be able to efficiently transport a wide range of goods, including time-sensitive express packages, e-commerce shipments, pharmaceuticals, perishables and livestock requiring temperature control, high-value electronics, and even heavy industrial equipment or oversized cargo.

Why are 'next-generation' freighters needed?

With the growth of e-commerce, increasing global trade, and the need to replace older, less efficient aircraft, next-generation freighters will be crucial. The A350F will address these needs by offering significantly lower fuel burn, reduced emissions, and higher capacity, ensuring the air cargo industry will be able to operate more responsibly.

Is the A350F based on a passenger aircraft?

Yes, it will benefit greatly from the proven technology, reliability, and support network of the successful A350 passenger family, while being specifically designed for cargo operations with features like a large main deck door.

How will modern freighters support decarbonisation?

Modern freighters like the A350F will play a key role. Their high efficiency will mean a lower emissions footprint per tonne of cargo. The A350F is being designed to meet future ICAO CO₂ standards and will operate with lower noise levels. Furthermore, its ability to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) will be critical for the industry's decarbonisation pathway.

Where can I find detailed technical specifications for the A350F?

For in-depth technical data, performance figures, and information aimed at airline operators and potential customers, please visit our dedicated A350F page on aircraft.airbus.com.

Latest A350F news

Discover more