Core Insights - Airbus is preparing for a nine-month flight test campaign for the A350 freighter, aiming to have the first aircraft operational by the end of 2027 [1] Group 1: Market Position and Orders - Airbus has 82 firm orders for the A350 freighter from 13 airlines and leasing companies, while Boeing has over 50 orders for its next-generation 777-8 freighter [2] - The company forecasts a 3.3% compounded annual growth rate in shipping demand, leading to a 45% increase in the global fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft to 3,420 units by 2043 [3] Group 2: Aircraft Specifications and Production Plans - The new freighter aircraft will consist of 1,120 small aircraft, 855 mid-size widebodies, and 630 large widebodies, with 1,670 being conversions from passenger aircraft and 935 being production freighters [4] - Production plans include two test aircraft, with the first focusing on flight behavior and the second on systems testing [5][8] Group 3: Certification and Testing - Flight testing will involve approximately 400 hours, as the freighter only requires an upgrade certification from the A350-1000 variant, with unchanged Rolls-Royce Trent engines [6] - Certification processes have become more stringent, prompting Airbus to start preparations a year earlier than initially planned [7]

Core Insights - Air China Cargo intends to sign a purchase agreement with Airbus for six A350 freighter aircraft, marking it as the first mainland Chinese carrier to acquire this new model [1] - The total value of the deal for the six firm orders and four options is estimated at $4.65 billion, with significant discounts negotiated by Air China Cargo [1][2] Company Strategy - The transaction aligns with Air China Cargo's development plan and market demand, aiming to optimize fleet structure and long-term capacity replenishment [2] - The new aircraft will enhance the company's freighter capacity structure, catering to market and customer needs, thus contributing to stable long-term operations [2] Current Fleet - Air China Cargo currently operates a fleet of 24 freighters, which includes eight A330-200Fs, three Boeing 747-400Fs, and 13 Boeing 777Fs [2] Aircraft Specifications - The A350F is designed to carry up to 120 tons with a maximum range of 4,700 nautical miles and features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry [5] - The aircraft is expected to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 777 and older Boeing 747-400 freighters, with a weight reduction of 50 tons compared to the Boeing 777X freighter [4]