The parent company of cargo carrier Atlas Air on Monday placed the largest order ever for Airbus’ A350F freighter.
In a statement, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings said it agreed to purchase 20 A350Fs in a bid to expand and modernize its fleet. The order includes options for 20 additional aircraft.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is now the largest single customer for the type, officials said, and will get early delivery positions as the freighter enters service.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings owns Atlas Air, Polar Air Cargo, and Titan Aviation Leasing. Company leaders said the addition of the new A350Fs will broaden its offerings for leasing customers in the cargo and charter spaces.
Its current fleet is all-Boeing, consisting of the 747, 777, and 767.
“We are proud to become the largest customer for the Airbus A350F, securing early delivery positions for this next-generation widebody freighter platform,” Atlas Air Worldwide CEO Michael Steen said in a news release. “This order reflects our commitment to maintaining the industry’s most modern and fuel-efficient widebody freighter fleet to best service existing and new customers worldwide.”
The A350F is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and has the largest main deck cargo door in the industry. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, giving it a lighter takeoff weight than most competitors.
The aircraft is expected to enter service in the second half of 2027.
