Atlas Air Worldwide has added purchase rights for 20 Airbus A350F freighters to its existing agreement with Airbus, potentially increasing the deal’s scope to 60 aircraft. The agreement now covers 20 firm orders, options for 20 more aircraft and rights to purchase a further 20. The additional rights do not increase Atlas Air’s confirmed order, with deliveries of the firm aircraft scheduled from 2029 to 2034.
Martin Drew, Atlas Air’s chief strategy and transformation officer, disclosed the expanded arrangement during the ALTA AGM and Airline Leaders Forum in Mexico City. The purchase rights give the US cargo operator additional flexibility to expand its future fleet as demand develops.
Atlas Air placed the original firm order in March 2026, becoming the largest A350F customer by firm orders and the first US customer for the programme. The company intends to use the aircraft primarily for fleet and capacity growth, while some may replace existing freighters.
The agreement also represents a significant shift in Atlas Air’s fleet strategy. The operator has historically flown an all-Boeing freighter fleet, making the A350F its first aircraft acquisition from Airbus. The maximum potential of 60 aircraft should therefore be understood as the full scope of the agreement, rather than a firm order for 60 freighters.