Singapore Airlines (SIA) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Airbus for seven A350F freighter aircraft. According to the agreement, the A350F will commence replacing the airline’s current fleet of B747-400Fs in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The agreement includes a trade-up with 15 A320neo and two A350-900 passenger aircraft that are in SIA Group’s order backlog. This will enable SIA to manage its capital expenditure while pursuing its essential freighter aircraft refurbishment program.
“We feel honored by Singapore Airlines’ vote of confidence in the A350F to renew its freighter fleet. The A350F is the world’s new widebody freighter and will be second to none in its market segment in terms of operational efficiency, lower fuel burn, and CO₂ savings,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “It is rewarding that Singapore Airlines recognizes the value of the A350F, as we build on the strong partnership we are already enjoying.”
The A350F will have a high level of commonality with the A350 passenger versions, a heavy-use aircraft variant in Singapore’s fleet, as it is the largest operator of the model with 56 aircraft. With a payload capacity of 109 tonnes, the A350F will be suitable for all cargo markets. The aircraft features a large main deck cargo door, with its fuselage length and capacity being optimized around industry-standard pallets and containers.
The new freighter can carry a similar cargo volume to the Boeing 747-400F, which will be replaced in SIA’s fleet. It consumes up to 40% less fuel on similar missions to provide a better operating economy and has a longer range that offers increased flexibility in aircraft deployment.
The A350F can carry a similar cargo volume to the Boeing 747-400F, which it will replace in SIA’s fleet, with the capacity to carry payloads of about 109 tons.
More than 70% of the fuselage will be made of advanced materials, resulting in a 30-tonne lower takeoff weight and generating fuel consumption and emissions at least 20% lower than its closest current competitor. The A350F will be fully in compliance with ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards that will come into effect in 2027.
Mr. Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, said, “This agreement with Airbus further strengthens SIA’s position as the world’s leading cargo airline while making progress on our sustainability goals. It also guarantees that we are cautious with our capital expenditure, and aligns our passenger aircraft order portfolio to give us the flexibility we need to navigate the uncertainties of the recovery trajectory. The A350Fs will replace our seven 747-400F freighters, and the options will allow us to adapt our needs to future cargo market demand.”
“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of investing in the cargo business and reinforcing SIA Group’s various revenue streams. Air cargo also plays a vital role in keeping global supply chains open, especially for transporting essential goods during these times. SIA has worked closely with our partners in Singapore and worldwide to deliver items such as vaccines, personal protective equipment, and food supplies, and we will continue to support these efforts.”
