The Air France-KLM Group has taken a significant step towards sustainable cargo operations by placing a firm order for four brand new Airbus A350Fs. These state-of-the-art widebody freighters will be operated by Martinair Holland N.V., a Dutch cargo airline headquartered in Amsterdam Schiphol airport and part of the KLM Group. The introduction of the A350F’s will enable the airline to phase out their older generation freighters and replace them with a clean sheet cargo aircraft that offers a significant reduction in emissions and noise pollution.

Sustainability Ambitions Accelerated

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo’s sustainability goals are now closer to being achieved with the acquisition of the A350F, as Adriaan den Heijer, the Executive Vice President of Air France KLM Cargo and Managing Director of Martinair, explains. “We are thrilled to take this significant step forward with the A350F. It greatly accelerates our sustainability ambitions by significantly reducing fuel emissions and meeting the strictest ICAO Chapter 14 noise regulations and CAEP 8 NOx standards. We are ready for the future,” said den Heijer.

The A350F: A Revolutionary Step for the Cargo Industry

The A350F is built on the foundation of the world’s most advanced long-range aircraft, the A350. It boasts the largest main deck cargo door and a fuselage specifically designed for cargo operations. The use of advanced materials for over 70% of its airframe results in a minimum weight reduction of 30 tonnes during takeoff, in combination with its efficient Rolls-Royce engines, which leads to a minimum of 20% decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to its closest rival.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, expressed his excitement about the A350F’s entry into the KLM/Martinair world, stating “We are thrilled to see the A350F being endorsed by the Air France-KLM Group, it is a testament to the relevance and impact this state-of-the-art, high-capacity, long-range cargo aircraft brings to the airfreight industry. We are very pleased with the progress of our program.”

Compliance with ICAO CO2 Emissions Standards

The A350F’s will be delivered to Martinair in a timely manner to meet the newest ICAO CO2 emissions standards set to take effect by 2027. The aircraft boasts a payload capability of 109 tonnes, providing an additional 3 tonnes and 11% more volume than its competitors, making it suitable for all cargo markets, including Express, general cargo, and special cargo.

A Bright Future for the Industry

The A350F, which was introduced in 2021, has garnered 35 orders from seven different customers. The Air France-KLM Group’s recent commitment to purchase four of these aircraft is a major step towards promoting sustainable cargo operations and an optimistic outlook for the industry as a whole.

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Featured Image by: Air France