Air France-KLM orders four A350Fs for Martinair
Image copyright Airbus
The A350F’s will allow the airline to retire its existing older generation freighters and replace them with a clean sheet cargo aircraft that offers a big step towards more sustainable cargo operations.
“We are delighted to make this major step forward to the A350F. It accelerates Air France KLM Martinair Cargo sustainability ambitions with significant improvement on fuel emissions and complying with most stringent ICAO Chapter 14 for noise and CAEP 8 for NOx. We are fit for the future.” said Adriaan den Heijer, Executive Vice President Air France KLM Cargo and Managing Director Martinair.
“Another A350F endorsement, and a great one too. We are delighted to see the A350F enter the KLM/Martinair world, confirming the relevance this most modern high capacity long range cargo aircraft brings to the airfreight segment.
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, said: "I am very pleased with the way our programme is taking off. With 50% less noise, and 40% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation aircraft it is replacing, that is hardly a surprise. We thank Air France-KLM Group for their continued confidence.”
The A350F - based on the long range A350 - will feature the largest main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a minimum 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emission over its current closest competitor.
Delivery to Martinair will be in time to comply with the latest ICAO CO2 emissions standards that will come into effect by the end of 2027. With a 109 tonnes payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (including express, general and special cargo).
Launched in 2021, the A350F has recorded 35 orders from seven customers.
