Freight Orders for freighter aircraft surge over Singapore Air Show 2022

Over the course of the Singapore Air Show 2022, major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing were able to announce new orders for freighter aircraft. The airlines Western Global Airlines, Etihad Cargo and Singapore Airlines Cargo have all published their commitments to new aircraft.

At first, Boeing released that Western Global Airlines had purchased two 777 Freighters, for which the airline has signed a firm agreement. The aircraft are the first two new-production freighters for the operator.

“Western Global is pleased to acquire new-build 777 Freighter aircraft.  As the world's fastest growing cargo airline, we have determined that augmenting our existing fleet with new 777 Freighters will enable us to best serve our customers while providing a clear path to our future fleet plans,” said Jim Neff, Western Global Airlines CEO & founder.

Western Global is currently operating with a fleet consisting of 21 Boeing 747-400 Freighters and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Freighters. The operator has flown to 400 airports in 135 countries on six continents.

Next up, Airbus was able to confirm a firm order from Singapore Airlines. The carrier has signed a purchase agreement for seven A350F freighter aircraft which will be operational at the airline´s freight division. The A350Fs are expected to replace the aging 747-400F from the fourth quarter of 2025.

Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “These new-generation aircraft will substantially increase our operating efficiencies and reduce our fuel burn, making an important contribution towards the success of our long-term decarbonisation goals.”

Etihad Airways then also signed for a total of seven A350F freighters. This time, the airline agreed on a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the recently launched freighter variant. To support the A350F fleet, Etihad has selected the Airbus Flight Hour Services.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, explained: “As our cargo operations continue to overperform and we work towards a more sustainable future built upon the world’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet, the addition of the A350F will play a key role in driving our long-term cargo strategy and achieving our 2035 target to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50%.”

These new orders for modern, state-of-the-art freighter aircraft show the continued commitment cargo operators have had over the past months. During the pandemic, e-commerce number surged and in reaction to that, many airlines expanded or established their cargo division.

Both manufacturers expect strong future demand for air cargo and are expanding their portfolio, final assembly lines and conversion centers. By incorporating fuel-efficient operations with the right payload, the manufacturer attract customers from around the globe.