Cathay Group has expanded its future cargo fleet with a firm order for two additional Airbus A350F freighters for its Cathay Cargo division, bringing its total A350F commitment to eight aircraft.
The new deal converts part of the purchase rights attached to the initial agreement signed in December 2023, when Cathay placed a firm order for six A350F and secured rights on 20 further units. The additional aircraft reinforce Cathay’s long-haul cargo renewal plan centered on the A350F, a new-generation widebody freighter derived from the A350 passenger family.
The A350F is designed for high-volume, long-range freight operations, with a maximum payload of up to 111 tonnes and a range of about 4,700 nautical miles, or roughly 8,700 km. It targets lower fuel burn, reduced emissions and lower operating costs compared with current-generation freighters, while meeting upcoming environmental and noise standards.
For Airbus, the incremental Cathay order is part of a broader commercial ramp-up of the A350F program. By the end of April 2026, the freighter had accumulated 101 firm orders from 14 customers worldwide, including several major cargo and combination carriers. For Cathay, the A350F is set to become a core asset in its cargo network, supporting growth out of Hong Kong and strengthening the city’s role as a leading global airfreight hub from 2027 onwards.