AF KLM reduces A350 freighter orders

By Damian BrettDamian Brett11 March 2025

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Air France Cargo

Copyright: Airbus S.A.S. 2021 – computer rendering by FIXION – MMS – 2021

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has decided to reduce the number of A350 freighter aircraft it has ordered from Airbus in light of production delays and following a fleet portfolio assessment.

The decision will see AFKLMP reduce its A350F order from eight aircraft to six. Three of these aircraft will be operated by Air France and three by KLM subsidiary Martinair.

A spokesperson confirmed a report in CH Aviation and said that following the adjustment, the Franco-Dutch group’s freighter fleet would be maintained at its current level of six aircraft, complemented by the belly capacity of the group’s passenger aircraft.

“Air France-KLM constantly assesses its fleet portfolio to best balance future capital expenditures with commercial and operational efficiency,” a spokesperson for the airline said.

“With this in mind, and in the context of Airbus’s announcement that the Airbus A350F Full Freighter’s entry-into-service would be delayed, the group has decided to adjust its order of the type, from eight to six aircraft Airbus A350F aircraft.

“This confirms the Group’s commitment to operating a mixed cargo model, with a fleet of full freighter aircraft, capable of addressing the diverse needs of its customers,” the spokesperson said.

The A350Fs will replace Air France’s Boeing 777-200F aircraft and KLM/Martinair’s Boeing 747-400F aircraft, whose leases can be extended to ensure the continuity of full-freighter operations.

The order for the two remaining A350Fs will now be replaced by two Airbus A350-900 passenger aircraft.

These A350-900 passenger aircraft will come in addition to the Group’s existing order for 50 A350 aircraft, placed in September 2023.

At present, AFKMP Cargo operates two Boeing 777Fs and four Boeing 747-400Fs.

In February, Airbus announced it would push back the entry-into-service date of its A350 freighter to the second half of 2027, from its earlier expectation of 2026.

The airframer stated that it is facing “specific supply-chain challenges, notably with Spirit AeroSystems”, which are “putting pressure” on ramp-up of A350 production.

 

Last week, the cargo division reported a revenue decline in 2024 but cargo traffic and volumes improved.

Damian Brett