Kuwait Airways Explores A350F and 777-F Freighters to Meet Growing Cargo Demand

Kuwait Airways, the state-owned carrier, is actively considering the Airbus A350F and Boeing 777-8F as potential choices to enhance its cargo capabilities, according to Chairman Abdulmohsen Salem. The decision to explore maindeck freighters stems from the increased demand for cargo transportation between China and the Middle East, particularly driven by infrastructure projects.

Former CEO Maen Razzouqi had previously indicated in September that the airline would release a Request for Proposal for freighter aircraft by the end of 2023. Speaking at the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) AGM, Salem emphasized the exclusion of narrowbody freighters from their considerations.

The move to add maindeck freighters involves an initial acquisition of three aircraft, with the possibility of expanding the fleet by two more units by the end of the decade. Currently operating a passenger widebody fleet comprising five A330-200s, four A330-800s, and ten 777-300(ER)s, Kuwait Airways has seven A330-900s and two A350-900s on order from Airbus, as per ch-aviation fleets advanced data.

The decision to introduce freighters is strategic, aligning with the growing cargo demand in the region, particularly from China. The airline presently serves Guangzhou in China with a 3x weekly A330-200 flight.

Furthermore, there are indications that Kuwait Airways may reevaluate its Airbus order, with considerations of replacing undelivered passenger A350-900s with freighters, as mentioned by former CEO Razzouqi earlier in 2022. This potential restructuring reflects the airline’s commitment to optimizing its fleet for both passenger and cargo operations in response to evolving market dynamics.