Singapore Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus to purchase seven
A350F freighter aircraft, with options to order another five aircraft.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 when SIA will become the first airline to operate this new generation widebody freighter aircraft.
The agreement includes a swap with 15 A320neo and two A350-900 passenger
aircraft that are in the SIA Group order book.
The A350F can carry a similar volume of cargo as the Boeing 747-400F, which it
will replace in the SIA fleet and it burns up to 40 percent less fuel on similar missions to
provide better operating economics.
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Singapore Airlines said that renewing the freighter fleet reflects SIA’s continued investment in the air cargo segment, which is a core business for the Company.
SIA says it has bolstered its cargo capabilities over the last few years, especially in key segments such as e-commerce, fresh produce, and pharmaceuticals.
Replacing the 747-400Fs with the A350Fs would cut SIA’s carbon emissions by around 400,000 tonnes annually, based on current operations.
Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “This
agreement with Airbus reinforces SIA’s position as a leading global air cargo carrier,
while advancing our sustainability goals.
“It also ensures that we are prudent with our capital expenditure, and adjusts our passenger aircraft order book to give us the flexibility needed to navigate uncertainties in the recovery trajectory. The A350Fs will replace our seven 747-400F freighters, with the options providing the ability to adapt our requirements to future demand in the cargo market.
“The pandemic has underscored the importance of investing in the cargo business
and bolstering the SIA Group’s diverse revenue streams. Air cargo also plays a vital
role in keeping open global supply chains, especially to transport essential goods
during these times.
SIA has worked closely with our partners in Singapore and around the world to deliver items such as vaccines, personal protection equipment, and food supplies, and we will continue to support such efforts.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International said: “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.”
Earlier this year Airbus received the Board of Directors’ approval for a freighter derivative of the A350 designed to meet the imminent wave of large freighter replacements and the evolving environmental requirements, shaping the future of airfreight. The A350F will be powered by the latest technology, fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines.
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.
According to Airbus, the A350F will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards coming into effect in 2027.
