Etihad has also signed a long-term agreement for Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its entire A350 fleet, and optimize reliability.
Etihad Airways recently confirmed its order with aircraft manufacturing giant Airbus for seven new generation A350F freighters, following the company’s earlier commitment that was announced at the Singapore Airshow. The freighters will significantly scale up Etihad’s freight capacity by deploying the most efficient cargo aircraft available in the market.
This order of the A350F sees the national carrier of the UAE expanding its relationship with Airbus, Etihad Airways also has an already existing order of the largest passenger version of A350-1000s with Airbus, five of these passenger jets have been already delivered to Etihad.
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said “In building one of the world’s youngest and most sustainable fleets, we are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Airbus to add the A350 Freighter to our fleet. This additional cargo capacity will support the unprecedented growth we are experiencing in the Etihad Cargo division. Airbus has developed a remarkable fuel-efficient aircraft that, in tandem with the A350-1000 in our passenger fleet, supports our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
More than 70% of the airframe of the A350F is made of advanced materials which result in a 30-tonne lighter take-off weight. This helps the A350F generate at least 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions than its current closest competitor. The A350F fully meets ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards that will come into effect in 2027. Including this latest commitment of 7 freighters, the A350F has won 31 firm orders by six customers around the globe.
Etihad Airways has also firmed up a long-term agreement with Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support Etihad’s entire A350 fleet, to maintain aircraft performance and optimize reliability. This agreement is the first for Airbus FHS contract for an A350-fleet in the Middle East. Etihad has also opted for Airbus’ Skywise Health Monitoring, which will allow the airline to access real-time management of aircraft events and troubleshooting. This will help Etihad in saving time and decreasing the cost of unscheduled maintenance.
“Airbus is delighted to extend its long standing partnership with Etihad Airways, who recently introduced the A350 passenger services and is continuing to build on the Family with the game-changing freighter version, the A350F,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “This new generation large freighter brings unprecedented and unmatched benefits in terms of range, fuel efficiency and CO₂ savings, that support customers by enhancing operational efficiencies at the same time as reducing environmental impact.”
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The A350F meets the imminent wave of large freighter replacements and the evolving environmental requirements, shaping the future of air freight. Being a member of the world’s most modern long-range jet family, the A350F provides a high level of commonality with the A350 passenger versions. The 109-tonne payload capability, Enables the A350F to serve in all cargo markets. The A350Ft features a large main deck cargo door, with its fuselage length and capacity-optimized around the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
