The Airbus A350 will in future also be available ex works as a freighter. It is reacting to the increased demand in this segment, the European aircraft manufacturer said in a media statement.

Initially there will be a cargo version based on the Airbus A350-1000. According to company boss Guillaume Faury, the payload should be around 90 tons. The manufacturer is aiming for this sample to be delivered to the first customer around 2025. The supervisory board has already given the go-ahead for the project.

The Europeans are thus entering into direct competition with the Boeing 777XF. The American pattern is in high demand as it is considered a fuel efficient replacement for other models. So far, factory cargo aircraft have not been big business for Airbus. It therefore remains to be seen whether the market can be won over with an A350 freighter. Ultimately, a lot in this segment also depends on the purchase price.