Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement for six A350F aircraft, becoming the first customer to order the all-new A350F on the Chinese mainland. Air China Cargo, headquartered in Beijing, is China’s only cargo airline that carries the national flag. Since June 2025, the airline has been operating all cargo aircraft in North China, East China, South China, and Southwest China. It has also opened 25 all-cargo routes to major regions and cities around the world, including Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. The airline’s dedicated freighter and passenger belly network is further supplemented by more than 1,500 global ground trucking routes.
“The introduction of the A350F to our existing mixed cargo fleet contributes to efficiency in operation and maintenance. The A350F will enhance Air China Cargo’s capability to withstand risks in its long-term stable operation,” said Wang Hongyan, Vice President of Air China Cargo.
“We are delighted to welcome Air China Cargo as the latest customer for the A350F. The A350F will bring new generation efficiency and performance as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into Air China Cargo’s operation,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.
Engineered as the world’s most advanced freighter aircraft, the A350F is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global air cargo market (Express, general cargo, special cargo, etc.). It will carry up to 111 tonnes and cover a range of 8,700 km. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it will offer up to 40% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F will be 46 tonnes lighter than competitors and will feature the industry’s largest main deck cargo door. It is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards and by the time it enters service it will be 50% SAF capable, with a target for 100% by 2030. Currently, the assembly of test aircraft in Toulouse is underway.
At the end of October 2025, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 74 for the all-new A350F from 12 customers.
Air Algérie takes delivery of first Airbus A330neo
Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-900, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of its long-haul fleet and in its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The A330-900 will play a key role in Air Algérie expansion plans from Algiers, enabling the launch of new transatlantic and Asian routes.
Air Algérie is set to receive 7 additional A330neo and will become the largest operator of the aircraft type in Africa. The A330neo will bring new levels of performance, economics and passenger comfort. Air Algerie’s A330neo is configured in a comfortable three-class cabin layout with 18 full-flat seats in Business, 24 in Premium Economy and 266 in Economy class.
The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique experience, high level of comfort, ambiance, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.
Air Algérie will position itself as a centre of excellence for the A330neo, supported by the development of its maintenance and repair capabilities and the establishment of a maintenance training center.
At the end of October 2025, the A330 Family had won over 1,900 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
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