Image: Airbus
A French transportation and shipping company, CMA CGM Group, signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of four Airbus A350 freighters on November 19, 2021.
In a press statement, Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, announced: “We are proud to welcome CMA CGM AIR CARGO in the group of operators for the A350F and we are equally pleased to support the company’s future strategic development.”
The aircraft will be operated by the Group’s new air cargo subsidiary CMA CGM Air Cargo. Currently, the new cargo airline operates five Airbus A330-200 freighters.
”The A350F will fit seamlessly into the carrier’s existing fleet of Airbus freighters. Thanks to its composite airframe and latest technology engines, it will bring unbeatable efficiency in terms of fuel burn, economics and CO₂ emissions, empowering the long-term sustainable growth of the Group,” Scherer added.
The Airbus A350 freighter order, which is set to be finalized in the coming weeks, would be the manufacturer's second order for its new A350 freighter, according to Airbus.
During the second day at the 2021 Dubai Airshow, ALC announced its first order for the freighter version of Airbus A350, becoming the launch customer of the aircraft type.
”ALC was the launch customer for the very popular A321LR and XLR versions. Now, we become the launch lessor for the A350F and by far the largest lessor customer for the A220” ALC executive chairman Steven Udvar-Hazy said in a statement.
Airbus confirmed it was launching a freighter version of the A350 on July 29, 2021. It is targeting entry into service for 2025.
“ALC’s endorsement confirms the global enthusiasm we see for this quantum leap in the freighter space and we applaud its insightfulness in selecting it and in beating everyone to the finish line for the first A350F order announcement,” commented Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.