Turkish carrier’s confirmed purchase follows Korean Air’s conversion of seven passenger variants, as the manufacturer maintains a 2027 delivery timeline
Turkey’s MNG Airlines has firmed up its purchase of two Airbus A350 freighters, marking another strategic commitment to the next-generation cargo aircraft as global demand for efficient, long-range capacity strengthens. The confirmation appears in Airbus’ October orders and deliveries report, solidifying an MoU the carrier signed during the Paris Air Show in June.
The formal order, dated 2 October, capped a particularly active month for Airbus’ freighter programme. Air China Cargo announced plans—yet to be finalised—to acquire six A350Fs with options for four more, while Korean Air converted seven of its existing A350 passenger aircraft commitments into the freighter variant.
With these updates, Airbus’ gross orders for 2025 now stand at 20. The A350F backlog continues to expand, with 12 customers holding firm commitments for 74 aircraft. While Airbus has recorded eight cancellations this year, Air France is still expected to trim its A350F order from four to three units.
Airbus highlights that the A350F features the industry’s largest main-deck cargo door, a payload capability of up to 111 tonnes, and a range of 8,700 km. Despite earlier programme delays, the manufacturer reiterated to Air Cargo News that it remains on track to begin deliveries in the second half of 2027, with production timelines currently holding steady.
The A350F’s entry-into-service date has been adjusted multiple times: from late 2025 to early 2026 in May 2023, and subsequently to the second half of 2027 following a further review in February this year.
A350F Order Timeline
October 2025 – Korean Air converts seven A350 passenger aircraft to the freighter model
June 2025 – MNG Airlines signs MoU for two A350Fs
June 2025 – Lessor AviLease places order for 10, with options for 12 additional aircraft
January 2025 – Airbus receives order for three A350Fs from an undisclosed customer
February 2024 – Starlux Airlines orders five A350Fs; exercises options for another five in January 2025
December 2023 – Turkish Airlines orders five A350Fs
December 2023 – Cathay Cargo orders six A350Fs, with rights for 20 more
January 2023 – Air France-KLM orders four A350Fs for Martinair/KLM Cargo; revised to three in August
December 2021 – Air France orders four A350Fs; expected reduction to three
February 2022 – Singapore Airlines firms up an order for seven A350Fs
June 2022 – Silk Way West Airlines orders two
August 2022 – Etihad Cargo finalises order for seven
November 2021 – Air Lease Corporation orders seven; cancellation confirmed August
November 2021 – CMA CGM orders four A350Fs; order doubled to eight in April 2024
The confirmation of MNG Airlines’ order adds fresh momentum to Airbus’ rapidly expanding freighter programme, reinforcing the A350F’s role as a key contender in the long-haul cargo aircraft market.
