Air France-KLM has firmed its Letter of Intent for four A350-900(F)s with options for four more from Airbus.
The freighters will be operated by Air France (AF, Paris CDG) out of its main hub at Paris CDG. The Franco-Dutch holding did not disclose any delivery dates but said it would be "among the launch customers" for the new type. The manufacturer previously said its A350 freighters would begin service entry in the final quarter of 2025.
Air France's order comes with substitution rights for the airline's passenger A350s. The ch-aviation fleets module shows the airline currently operates fifteen A350-900s and has a further 23 on order from Airbus. The carrier's dedicated freighter fleet comprises two B777-200Fs, which will be complemented rather than replaced by the A350s.
Airbus has thus far garnered A350 freighter commitments from Air Lease Corporation, Etihad Airways, CMA CGM Air Cargo, and Singapore Airlines. The only tentative customers for the rival B777-8(F) are Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
