EUROPEAN multinational aerospace corporation Airbus has forecast demand for around four hundred widebody freighters over the next 20 years, including new-builds and conversions, in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region which is continuing to demonstrate robust economic growth and dynamic trade activities.

Crawford Hamilton, Airbus head of freighter marketing said that the company is well placed to meet a strong share of this demand with the all-new A350F.

"As the world's only all-new freighter, the A350F will be a step change in efficiency in competitive cargo markets," he said. "It will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40 per cent compared with the previous generation 747F and is the first freighter offered today that will meet ICAO's enhanced carbon dioxide emissions standards in 2027."

The A350F can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles/8,700 kilometres at significantly lower cost than any other freighter available today. This will enable it to serve all major cargo markets, including the world's biggest freight route between Hong Kong and Anchorage, reports Singapore's Asian Aviation.

The A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry. With its main deck cargo door 15 per cent wider compared to the competition, the A350F also allows for all new large engine transportation. Over 70 per cent of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a forty-six tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative.

"With APAC set to become the largest region for international trade over the next two decades, the A350F, with its step change in efficiency, market matched capacity, and range, it is perfectly tailored to improve the operations of the carriers, by meeting diverse cargo demands while leading the charge towards a more sustainable future in air freight," says Mr Hamilton.

Set to enter service in 2026, assembly of the first A350F fuselage sections is set to commence in the coming months, in line with the aircraft's production time frame.

At the end of January, the latest generation A350 Family had won over 1,200 orders from fifty-seven customers worldwide, including fifty for the A350F from nine leading cargo airlines. In the mid-size category, the A330neo Family continues to gain momentum, with nearly three hundred firm orders from twenty-eight customers.