Air China Cargo has signed a deal to purchase six Airbus A350F aircraft, becoming the first mainland Chinese customer for the new freighter model, reports LA's Investor's Business Daily.

Wang Hongyan, vice president of Air China Cargo, said the A350F will improve efficiency in operations and maintenance while strengthening the airline's long-term stability. Airbus executive Benoit de Saint-Exupery welcomed the order, highlighting the aircraft's new generation performance, capacity and loading flexibility.

Headquartered in Beijing, Air China Cargo is the country's only national flag cargo airline. Since June 2025, it has operated all-cargo aircraft across North, East, South and Southwest China, with 25 routes serving Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Its network is supported by more than 1,500 global trucking connections.

The A350F can carry 111 tonnes over 8,700 km and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. Airbus said the aircraft offers up to 40 per cent lower fuel consumption and emissions compared with older freighters.

Built with over 70 per cent advanced materials, the A350F is 46 tonnes lighter than rivals and features the industry's largest main deck cargo door. It is the only freighter fully compliant with ICAO's 2027 CO2 standards and will be 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel capable at entry into service, with a target of 100 per cent by 2030.

Assembly of test aircraft is underway in Toulouse. By October 2025, the A350 family had secured 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 74 for the A350F from 12 operators.