Freight Singapore Airlines signs Letter of Intent for seven Airbus A350 Freighters

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Singapore Airlines have signed a Letter of Intent for the airline to purchase seven Airbus A350 Freighter aircraft. With the aircraft, the airline plans to modernize its fleet and expand operations in times in which the E-Commerce branch experiences continued growth.

The A350Fs are set to replace the aging Boeing 747-400Fs in Singapore Airlines Cargo´s fleet, which are around 18 years old on average. Currently, the cargo division operates with seven 747 Freighters. Successively, the airline will replace these aircraft with the 350s once delivered.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, commented: “We are honoured by Singapore Airlines’ vote of confidence in the A350F as it renews its freighter fleet. The A350F is the world’s all-new large freighter and will be unmatched in its market segment in terms of operational efficiency, lower fuel consumption and CO₂ savings […] It is gratifying that Singapore Airlines recognises the value of the A350F as we build on the strong partnership we already enjoy.”

Deliveries for the aircraft are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The aircraft is characterized by the usage of advanced materials in the fuselage. The composite material leads to a 30 tonne lighter take-off weight and at least 20 percent of lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Airbus´ Board of Directors approved the derivative of the A350 earlier this year. On Dubai Air Show 2021, the manufacturer was able to sell the first aircraft to launch customer Air Lease Corporation. Cargo company CMA CGM then ordered four A350 Freighters. Singapore Airlines is the third customer of the newly developed variant.

The aircraft is built on the passenger version of the A350-900, as Airbus explained: As part of the world’s most modern long-range family, the A350F will have a high level of commonality with the A350 passenger versions. With a 109-tonne payload capability, the A350F will serve all cargo markets. The aircraft features a large main deck cargo door, with its fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.

Singapore Airlines is currently the largest operator of the A350 in the world. The carrier operates with 56 A350-900s. This Letter of Intent signals the airline´s satisfaction with the aircraft and that it sees its operational future in it.