Etihad Airways has increased its order for seven A350Fs, as finalized in 2022, by an additional three of the freighters, having exercised options negotiated into the contract.
During an interview, Stanislas Brun, the Vice President of Etihad Cargo, told FreightWaves that the airline had extended its commitment in response to the surge in e-commerce.
Etihad currently operates five Boeing 777 freighters. At the International Air Cargo Association trade show, Brun said: “In the next five years, we should go from five to 15 freighter aircraft.”
According to Brun, Etihad gave the additional purchase the go-ahead earlier this month and the final terms and delivery timelines are now being finalized with the European planemaker.
Etihad firmed up its order with Airbus for seven new generation A350F freighters in August 2022, following an earlier commitment that was announced at the Singapore Airshow.
At the time, Tony Douglas, Etihad CEO, 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.”
The Airbus A350F is still in the development phase, but it is scheduled to enter service around 2026/2027.
Airbus has received orders for 58 A350Fs so far, from customers including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Air France.
According to S&P Global, industry estimates suggest “e-commerce accounts for 20% of global air freight volume, with the volume exported from China alone enough to fill 50 to 80 freighter aircraft every day”.