The Air France-KLM Group will reduce the number of A350 cargo ships ordered from Airbus in light of production delays, following its fleet portfolio evaluation.
The decision will reduce the company's orders for the A350-1000F from eight to six, reported FlightGlobal Sister Publication Air Cargo News.
Three of these aircraft are operated by Air France, and three are operated by Martinair, a subsidiary of KLM.
According to Airbus backlog data up to the end of February, each of which has been ordered four.
A spokesperson says after adjustment, the Franco-Dutch Group freighter fleet will be maintained at the current level of six aircraft, supplemented by the belly capacity of passenger aircraft.
“Air France-KLM can constantly evaluate its fleet portfolio to balance future capital expenditures with commercial and operational efficiency,” says an airline spokesman.
“With this in mind, in the context of Airbus' announcement that there is a delay in entry into the service (of the A350F), the group has decided to adjust the order of the types from 8 to 6,” the spokesman adds.
“This confirms the group's commitment to operating a mixed cargo model using a fleet of fully-free flower aircraft that can address the diverse needs of its customers.”
The A350FS will replace Air France's Boeing 777FS and KLM/Martinair's Boeing 747-400FS, expanding its lease to ensure continuity in full-freighter operations.
Air France-KLM Group will convert the remaining two A350Fs into pairs of A350-900 passengers.
These A350-900s will be added to existing orders for the 50 A350 group placed in September 2023.
