Air France-KLM Cuts A350F Freighter Order
Air France-KLM has adjusted its order for new A350F freighters by reducing the total number from eight to six units. The group will now receive three aircraft for Air France and three for Martinair, the cargo arm of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Previously, both carriers were slated to add four aircraft each. A spokesperson for the holding confirmed the change to ch-aviation, clarifying that this decision does not signal any shift in the overall strategy.
The airline group will continue to operate a hybrid cargo model that combines dedicated freighter aircraft with belly cargo space on its passenger fleet. This approach remains a core part of the Air France-KLM strategy, despite the adjustments to the freighter order. The spokesperson emphasized that the decision to reduce the order is a recalibration rather than a strategic change, ensuring that the group can still meet growing market demands for air cargo services.
The update comes shortly after Air France-KLM released its 2024 financial report. While the report noted a 4.1% increase in cargo volumes year-on-year, there was also a 3.9% decline in revenue from the freight business compared to 2023. The mixed results may have played a role in the decision to revise the order, as the group aims to align its fleet investments with market performance and evolving customer needs.
According to data from the ch-aviation fleets module, Air France currently operates two Boeing 777-200F freighters, while Martinair operates a fleet that includes two Boeing 747-400ERFs and one Boeing 747-400(BCF). The A350F order was originally placed in two separate batches – the first four aircraft for Air France in 2022 and the subsequent four for Martinair in early 2023. The planned delivery schedule was set to begin in 2026, but the timeline has been pushed back to 2027 following the recent adjustment.
Industry analysts suggest that the order reduction reflects a broader trend in the air cargo market, where carriers are re-evaluating their capacity investments amid shifting economic conditions. Although cargo volumes are on the rise, revenue pressures and market uncertainties have prompted Air France-KLM to fine-tune its fleet strategy. By reducing the freighter order, the group may be seeking to balance the need for additional capacity with a cautious approach to capital expenditure.
The decision is also viewed as part of a continuous effort by Air France-KLM to optimize its operations and respond to both internal and external market signals. The group’s commitment to its hybrid model of dedicated freighters and belly cargo remains intact, allowing it to serve a diverse range of cargo demands while maintaining operational flexibility. This strategy is critical for capturing growth in the global air cargo market, which has seen heightened demand amid ongoing supply chain challenges and changing trade patterns.
As the new delivery schedule is now set for 2027, the industry will be watching how these adjustments impact the group’s overall freight capacity and financial performance in the coming years. Air France-KLM’s ability to adapt its fleet strategy in response to market conditions may well determine its competitive edge in the fast-evolving air cargo sector.
Related News : https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/?s=Air+France, https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/air-cargo/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com