Atlas Air Opts for the A350F as Earlier Availability Gives Airbus an Edge

It has taken them two years to decide, but cargo carrier Atlas Air has opted for the Airbus A350F over the Boeing 777-8F as its new freighter aircraft. The order for 20 firm aircraft plus 20 options brings the A350F backlog to 101, with first deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2027. The Atlas Air order was announced today with the release of a media statement, showing CEO Michael Steen and Airbus EVP of Sales, Bernard de Saint-Exupéry, signing the contract under the supervision of Airbus CEO Commercial Aircraft, Lars Wagner. According to the release, Atlas Air and subsidiary Polar Air Cargo operate a fleet of 113 full freighters, but Planespotters only counts 91: 48 Boeing 747-400Fs, 20 747-8Fs (including the last-ever 747 delivered in January 2023), 13 777Fs, and 10 767-300Fs. Another subsidiary, Titan Aviation Leasing, has a fleet of 32 narrowbody and widebody freighters. A350F or 777-8F Almost to the day two years ago, Michael Steen told Bloomberg that Atlas Air was considering an order for one of the next-generation full freighters, the A350F or the Boeing 777-8F. Key to the final decision would be the availability of the aircraft, which at that time was 2026 for the Airbus and 2027 for the Boeing. Both programs have slipped to the right, with the A350F starting a nine-month certification program with two aircraft likely in Q2 this year. That should result in entry into service in HY2 of 2027. The situation with the 777-8F is far less clear. First, the FAA needs to certify the 777-9, which is already six years behind schedule but should be certified by the end of this year. The freighter is the second aircraft of the 777X program to be certified, but the original date of 2028 has now moved toward 2030. Steen said last year that cargo airlines should expect one or two years of unavailability of new freighters, as production of the current 777F is slated to stop in 2027 because of new ICAO emission standards before the A350F is available. For this specific reason, Boeing has requested an exemption for the 777F, but the FAA hasn’t decided yet. Michael Steen voiced similar concerns today: “As retirements of older widebody freighters accelerate, the large widebody freighter market will remain constrained, with limited new capacity entering the market. This strategic investment reinforces our long-term confidence in global airfreight demand, and positions Atlas to meet that demand and support future growth.” No surprise As such, the Airbus order comes as no surprise, as this aircraft is available much sooner. “We are proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F, securing early delivery positions for this next-generation widebody freighter platform,” Michael Steen is quoted in the release. Atlas Air will take delivery of the first aircraft in 2029, with slots extending through 2034. It is believed this only includes the aircraft on firm order, not the options. Atlas Air says the A350Fs will complement its existing fleet, but be sure that they will come in as direct replacements for the 767s (average age: 32.9 years) and 747-400Fs (26 years). Ten -400Fs are already parked, leaving an active fleet of 38 aircraft. With a payload capacity of 111 tonnes, the A350F comes very close to the 113 tonnes of the 747-400F, but with 40 percent lower fuel costs and emissions. [caption id="attachment_189969" align="aligncenter" width="754"] Airbus A350F MSN700[/caption] Steen added: “The A350F is a highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits, and a strong sustainability profile. We are pleased to add Airbus and Rolls-Royce to our supplier base of leading aircraft and engine manufacturers, offering us optionality and supporting our global operations and continued growth.” But as the fleet grows older and more replacements are needed, don’t be surprised if Atlas Air takes another serious look at the 777-8F. It’s up to Boeing to deliver on its promises. Passing 100 orders With the 20 order, the total A350F backlog has now cleared 100, with 101 firm orders. It also makes Atlas Air the biggest customer for the type. French CMA CGM is now considered the launch customer with an order for eight aircraft, but this follows the decision of Air Lease Corporation last year to cancel its 2021 Dubai Airshow launch order for seven aircraft. Taiwan’s Starlux doubled its order to ten aircraft in early 2025. Saudi lessor AviLease bought ten aircraft at the Paris Airshow last year, while Etihad upped its order at the Dubai Airshow to ten as well. Singapore Airlines and Korean Air each have orders for seven aircraft, Cathay Pacific for six, Turkish Airlines for five, and Silkway West for four. Air France and Martinair reduced their backlog by one aircraft to give them three firm orders each. MNG Cargo has two A350Fs on order. Air China Cargo was welcomed late last year with an order for six aircraft. Lars Wagner welcomed Atlas Air as the latest customer for the freighter. “Atlas Air’s selection of the latest generation A350F - the first in the US - represents a pivotal moment, cementing the A350F’s position as the preferred true all-new-generation freighter for the world’s most demanding cargo operators. We very much look forward to seeing it flying in Atlas’ colours." The A350F is based on the A350-1000, but with a fuselage that is five frames shorter. The first A350F MSN700 is in the final stages of assembly and will start system tests very soon. The big cargo door, one of the aircraft’s unique selling points according to Airbus, had yet to be installed in February as the design configuration was finalised up to the last minute. MSN700 should be tested over 300 flying hours, while the second aircraft MSN701, will join later this year and contribute to the test and certification program with some 100 hours.

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