Etihad orders three more A350Fs

Etihad Airways has ordered three Airbus A350 freighters to add to its existing order for seven of the new generation aircraft.

The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow and followed the airline's initial order for seven A350Fs in August 2022.

Etihad Airways chief executive Antonoaldo Neves said: “The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand. Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations.”

The move had long been expected, with the cargo division regularly suggesting that it would eventually have 10 of the new model of freighter.

The carrier even confirmed to Air Cargo News in late 2024 that it was in negotiations to exercise options for three more of the model.

According to Planespotters, the airline currently has five Boeing 777Fs. Last year, Etihad Cargo told Air Cargo News that investing in A350Fs was a logical move for the airline as its fleet already included the A350 passenger type.

During the Dubai Airshow, the airline also placed an order for six A330-900s, as well as seven additional A350-1000s, increasing its total for the type to 27. Etihad further announced the commitment of nine A330-900s on lease from Avolon. 

There are now a total of 83 A350F orders from 13 customers. Recently, Airbus confirmed that Air China Cargo had signed a purchase agreement for six A350Fs, MNG Airlines Cargo had purchased two A350 freighters, while Korean Air has converted seven of an existing order for A350 passenger aircraft to the freighter model.

The A350F, which has a 111-ton capacity and a range of 8,700 km, will be delivered between 2029 and 2031. 

Airbus confirmed earlier this week that it is getting closer to completing its first A350F with the fuselage, wings, tail and landing gear all installed.

The aircraft manufacturer will undertake test flights on two A350F test aircraft to assess operational performance throughout 2026 and early 2027. The company is due to begin delivering the A350F in the second half of 2027.