Air TransportAirbus has suffered a painful blow when Air France-KLM Group reduced its order from eight A350Fs to six aircraft.
The decision was made due to the new delay in the schedule for the widebody freighter, according to statements to outlets.
With 111 tons of paid cargo capacity, the A350F will be an alternative to the end of production of the Boeing 777F, but entry into service has been pushed back to 2027.
Airbus originally planned to deliver the first A350F in 2025 but postponed the deadline to the following year and recently for the second time.
The reason, according to the planemaker, is the supply chain issues that prevent production of the widebody from reaching the desired pace.
Despite this, Airbus has begun assembling the first aircraft, with aerostructures being sent to its facilities in Hamburg, Germany.
Of the Franco-Dutch group’s six A350Fs, three will be operated by Air France and three by Martinair, KLM’s cargo subsidiary – previously each had four aircraft.
These aircraft will replace the 777F and 747-400F and offer significantly lower operating costs.
The total A350F order book will fall to 61 aircraft, but Air France-KLM will not give up the jets, which will be converted into passenger A350-900s.
