US-based logistics specialist Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is ordering up to 40 Airbus A350 freighters, the largest agreement so far placed for the new cargo jet.
The company, which is a major Boeing customer, is taking 20 firm aircraft plus options on a further 20.
Atlas Air Worldwide expects to take delivery of the twinjets – powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines – over the course of 2029-34.
It states that the agreement secures early delivery positions for the aircraft, which is scheduled to begin flight-testing this year ahead of initial deliveries in 2027.
“The order represents a key investment in the company’s long-term fleet strategy and positions Atlas to drive sustained earnings growth while modernising its global fleet,” it adds.
Atlas Air Worldwide says the A350Fs will “complement” its fleet of 113 Boeing 747s, 777s and 767s.
The agreement will take firm orders for the cargo jet, currently standing at 81 aircraft, into triple figures.
Atlas chief Michael Steen says the A350F is a “highly capable, reliable platform, with incremental payload and range benefits”.
“As retirements of older widebody freighters accelerate, the large widebody freighter market will remain constrained, with limited new capacity entering the market,” he adds.
New Airbus commercial aircraft chief Lars Wagner says the airframer is “committed to a long-term partnership” with the US operator – whose carriers include Atlas Air, Titan Aviation and Polar Air Cargo – following its decision to place the order with the European airframer.
