Airbus has signed a landmark deal with Air China Cargo for six A350F freighters, making the airline the launch customer for the aircraft in mainland China, reports Montreal's SimpleFlying.

The agreement, signed on November 14, 2025, converts a prior commitment into firm orders valued at about US$4.6 billion at list prices. Deliveries are expected late this decade.

The A350F, derived from the A350-1000, can carry up to 111 tons of payload and features a reinforced floor and large main-deck cargo door. Airbus claims the model offers 40 per cent lower fuel burn and emissions compared with older Boeing 747-400 freighters.

The new aircraft will replace ageing Boeing 747-400F and Airbus A330 freighters in Air China Cargo's fleet, boosting efficiency and cutting costs. The carrier currently operates Boeing 777F, Boeing 747-400F and Airbus A330-200F freighters.

For Airbus, the deal strengthens the A350F programme, which had logged about 74 commitments by October 2025. Securing a major Chinese customer enhances its position against Boeing's 777-8F and signals regulatory support in China.

The order also supports Airbus' production of the wider A350 family, spreading development costs and ensuring smoother output.

For Air China Cargo, the A350F order marks a structural fleet upgrade, reducing maintenance costs and improving compliance with tightening International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines.

The freighters will enhance competitiveness on trunk routes to Europe and North America, key markets for e-commerce and pharmaceuticals.

The option framework allows Air China Cargo to expand the order to up to 10 aircraft, providing flexibility to retire older widebodies gradually while maintaining capacity.

The move positions Air China Cargo to remain a leading operator in China's air freight market for decades to come.