Air TransportAtlas Air has placed an order for 20 Airbus A350F freighters, marking a shift for the U.S.-based cargo operator, which has historically operated an all-Boeing fleet.
The agreement makes Atlas Air the largest customer for the A350F, Airbus’ next-generation widebody freighter currently in development.
The move is notable as Atlas Air opted for the A350F instead of Boeing’s 777-8F, a competing freighter whose development timeline has slipped in recent years.
Atlas Air today operates only Boeing aircraft, with a fleet of 48 747-400Fs, 17 747-8Fs — including the final 747 ever produced — as well as 10 767Fs and 11 777Fs.
The A350F is based on the A350-900 and A350-1000 passenger variants and is designed to carry around 111 tonnes of payload. One of its distinguishing features is a large main deck cargo door intended to accommodate outsized freight.
The aircraft will also be the first freighter built predominantly from composite materials, resulting in a lighter structure compared with older metal designs.
As of February 2026, Airbus had secured 81 firm orders for the A350F. The first prototype is in final assembly and is expected to fly in the coming months.
Airbus is targeting entry into service in 2028, as new ICAO emissions standards effectively end production of older-generation freighters such as the 767F and 777F.
