Airbus A350F freighter. Photo: Airbus
Airbus has shifted the entry into service date for the A350 freighter into 2026.
The airframer, which has disclosed first-quarter results, said the commercial planning for the freighter is being “barely adjusted” as its initial milestones are reached.
Chief executive Guillaume Faury, speaking in the course of the results briefing, said the slip was a matter of a “few months” from the previous end-2025 timeframe.
He insisted it doesn’t amount to a “re-baselining” of the schedule, and stated that the shift pertains to overall programme execution. Airbus recently produced the primary components for the freighter at its Airbus Atlantic plant in Nantes.
“We’re not specifically putting it on the shoulders of 1 or other supplier,” he stressed
Previous A350F aircraft orders include: 4 from CMA-CGM; seven from Air Lease Corporation; seven from Singapore Airlines; 4 from Air France; two from Silk Way West Airlines; seven from Etihad Airways; and 4 from Martinair.
France-based Airbus Atlantic has recently produced the first parts for the A350F.
In March, 4 Airbus A350 freighters were ordered by an undisclosed customer.